Pakistan, Norway agree to enhance ties in various sectors

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday expressed satisfaction over Norwegian investment in Pakistan and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment and clean energy with Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.

During his telephonic conversation with his Norwegian counterpart, FM Qureshi appreciated the growing business relations between Pakistan and Norway.

Minister Søreide appreciated the role of Pakistan's government in facilitating the signing of a solar power project between Scatec and Nizam Energy.

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She also lauded the constructive role of Norwegians of Pakistani origin in the economic development of Norway.

On Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that there was no military solution to the conflict. He further briefed Søreide on Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process and expressed the hope that the Afghan leaders would seize this historic opportunity to secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.

In February, it was reported that in a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Sri Lanka.

The foreign minister also discussed further strengthening the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, a statement issued by the foreign office maintained.

Speaking to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in a bilateral meeting in Colombo, Qureshi stressed that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s present visit was reflective of the priority accorded to this relationship.

During the meeting, both diplomats reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations.

Underscoring the need to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, FM Qureshi expressed satisfaction at the progress made during the recently held meetings of the 12th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and 7th Commerce Secretary Level talks.