Diplomatic mission : Norway’s FM lauds Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism

Holds meetings with civil and military leadership.

ISLAMABAD: The foreign minister of Norway praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism during talks with senior civil and military officials on Monday.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, who was on an official visit to Islamabad, held talks with Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.

In a statement released after the meeting with Aziz, the foreign ministry said that the two sides discussed a spectrum of bilateral issues and explored possibilities of deepening existing ties between the two countries.

Highlighting Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, the adviser briefed the visiting foreign minister on Islamabad’s vision of a peaceful neighbourhood.  Brende appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in countering terrorism, the statement added.

“The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and contributed towards strengthening of existing ties,” the statement added.

The two sides also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. Views were also exchanged on global issues including the Middle East and Europe.

Later, Brende also visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to meet the army chief.

Giving details of the meeting at the GHQ, the military’s media wing said that issues of mutual interest including security were discussed between the two sides.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2015.