OSLO, Jan 25: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday called for intra-civilization harmony and dialogue and said Pakistan was trying to promote greater understanding between the Islamic world and the West. Speaking at a banquet, hosted in his honour by Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, President Musharraf referred to the concept of “enlightened moderation” that advocates reform in the Muslim society and calls upon Western powers to help resolve issues that have caused anger and frustration among Muslims.

“Towards this end we advocate intra-civilization harmony and dialogue.”

He appreciated the Norwegian role in the maintenance of peace and stability in conflict areas such as the Middle East, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

President Musharraf said on its part, Pakistan was a major contributor to the United Nations’ peacekeeping troops around the world. “We would also like to facilitate the efforts for achieving peace and justice in the world,” he added.

On Pakistan-Norway relations, the president underlined the need for fortifying these ties by tangible trade and economic links.

He noted with satisfaction the presence of Telenor and some other Norwegian companies in Pakistan and said the government would encourage Norwegian entrepreneurs to look at lucrative investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The president also spoke of the destructive October earthquake that has played havoc in the NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir but praised the people of these areas for standing up to the challenges.

Referring to the harsh Himalayan winter in the quake-hit zone, he said, people have responded to this enormous challenge with courage and determination.

He also thanked the Norwegian leadership for its prompt assistance and expressed confidence that it would remain engaged with Pakistan when the government begins the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Welcoming President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Stoltenberg said that his visit was being awaited since long in Norway.

He referred to the strong Pakistani community in Norway which, he said, explains why the two countries had come closer.

Prime Minister Stoltenberg said there was a great potential for further bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and Norway can strengthen people-to-people contact, bilateral trade and investment, and ties between their public institutions.

He assured Pakistan of his country’s full support to overcome challenges posed by the earthquake.

The Norwegian prime minister also paid tribute to President Musharraf for his efforts in the fight against terrorism.—APP