ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Norway held on Monday discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explored various possibilities of deepening the ties in the fields of trade, investment, education, energy, cultural cooperation, etc.

It was agreed during a meeting of visiting Foreign Minister of Norway Borge Brende with Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the adviser briefed the foreign minister on Pakistan’s vision of a peaceful neighbourhood and highlighted counter-terrorism efforts made by Islamabad.

The Norwegian appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in countering terrorism.

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

The foreign minister lauded the positive approach of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway.

Meanwhile, Mr Brende called on Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Raheel Sharif at GHQ, Rawalpindi, and discussed with him wide range of issues of mutual interest, including defence cooperation.

He also met Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The speaker told the FM that political forces were united to root out terrorism from the country.

He called for concerted and coordinated efforts by all to fight the global menace.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2015

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