ISLAMABAD : 13 Aug 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, led delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognized the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
They also held in depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest. The Norwegian Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s important and constructive role during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
DPM/FM warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Espen Eide to Pakistan. The two Ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
Joint Communiqué
Both sides noted that the visit built on the close and sustained contact already maintained between the two Foreign Ministers, including their telephonic conversations of 13 March and 7 April 2026, during which they exchanged views on the regional situation. They affirmed their mutual desire to maintain regular high-level contacts and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Ministers reviewed the functioning of the Bilateral Political Consultations, describing it as a valuable channel for sustained engagement between the two Foreign Ministries. The two sides confirmed their intent to convene the 14th round in Islamabad in December 2026.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
On the economic front, the two sides discussed ways to broaden trade and investment ties, with attention to port connectivity and shipping links between the two countries;Pakistan’s growing IT and ITeS exports to Norway, along with the increasing participation of Pakistani firms at events such as Oslo Innovation Week.
Both sides expressed an interest to develop trading relations further, and to continue cooperation under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation between Pakistan and EFTA.
They also agreed upon the importance of the multilateral trading system with “WTO at its core” and that WTO reform is vital and should be pursued through a “Member-driven process” without delay. Furthermore, the Pakistani side cited renewable energy, mining, offshore oil and gas, IT/ITeS, and ship-breaking and recycling as possible sectors for Norwegian investment in Pakistan.
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Climate Change
The two Ministers took stock of progress under the Bilateral Agreement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement signed by the two Climate Ministries on 1 April 2026 for cooperation between the Parties to achieve their climate change mitigation objectives. Pakistan expressed interest in drawing further on Norway’s expertise in renewable energy, hydropower, biogas and climate-resilient agriculture.
SENSREC-DW
Given Pakistan’s experience and expertise in ship-recycling,reinforced by its ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention, the two sides took note of ongoing work under the SENSREC-DW Pakistan project and the newly concluded MoU on Recognition of Training and Certification of Seafarers for service aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels. They agreed there was scope to build on this foundation, including in the field of green shipping.
Education
Both sides positively noted Norway’s development partnership with Pakistan, dating back to 1969, and its continued focus on education, gender equality, human rights, food security and climate adaptation.
On education, the two sides noted the value of programmes such as the Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation (Norpart) and Norway’s newly launched scholarship scheme for students from developing countries, given the sizeable number of Pakistani students pursuing studies at Norwegian universities. They agreed to keep working towards easing academic mobility between the two countries.
Pakistani Community
The Ministers appreciated the role played by the Norwegian-Pakistani community, which has become woven into the country’s political, economic and cultural life over the years, and welcomed parliamentary exchanges, including through the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the recently established Pakistan-Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group.
International Cooperation
Both sides commended the support extended by each other at international platforms, including the United Nations, and agreed to continue advancing their cooperation on each other’s candidatures to various international bodies. They also agreed to continue consultations on issues of common interest at multilateral forums in the future.
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KASHMIR
The Pakistani side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The Norwegian side briefed on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Both sides expressed support to peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
AFGHANISTAN
The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.They expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries.
Acknowledging serious security threats being faced by Pakistan, the Norwegian side encouraged efforts aimed at reducing tensions, addressing security concerns and upholding the international law.
Both sides also noted with concern the deteriorating situation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, including restrictions on fundamental freedoms, access to education and participation in public life, as well as freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
MIDDLE EAST
The Pakistani side briefed the Norwegian side on its mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict. The Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan’s constructive mediatory role in support of regional stability, culminating in the Islamabad MoU signed between the parties on 17 June 2026, as well as the start of subsequent high-level technical talks. The Norwegian side updated on their contact with the parties in the region andfurther reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s continued efforts toward a peaceful and durable resolution of the ongoing conflict.
GAZA / PALESTINE
Both sides discussed the situation in Palestine and welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza. They underscored the necessity of ensuring that all parties adhere to the ceasefire commitments, allow for safe, rapid and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, and work towards a permanent end to hostilities.
They reaffirmed their support for practical and concrete steps toward long-term, sustainable peace based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international law and multilateralism. Both sides also underscored their shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and promote peace and prosperity, sustainable development and human rights.
Both sides also expressed support for the efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, responsive, and fit-for-purpose through UN80 initiative.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide conveyed his appreciation to DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar for the reception accorded to him and his delegation during the visit. Both Ministers agreed to sustain the existing positive momentum through continued high-level contact between the two sides.
