Norway Backs Pakistan’s Regional Role, Eyes Stronger Defense Ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Norway on Thursday strongly stated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in defence and security.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the two leaders reiterating their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagement in defence and security, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The two sides discussed matters of “mutual interest, regional security, and bilateral relations”.

During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir highlighted “Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability” and stressed the “importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges”.

The Norwegian foreign minister appreciated the “professional role” played by the Pakistan Armed Forces “in promoting regional peace and stability”.

Earlier in the day, Eide addressed a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, during which he lauded Pakistan’s mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict, saying it was a “service to the world and hence, also to us”.

“I also really want to reiterate our strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken in this dramatic war that started on February 28 with the US-Israel attack on Iran,” he said, recalling that Norway was one of the Western countries that was “clearest and earliest” in stating that the war was a violation of international rules.

“If we stand up for international law, it has to apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time,” he stressed.

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Norway, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kingdom of Norway were discussed.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability underscoring the importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges.

The visiting dignitary appreciated professional role played by the Pakistan Armed Forces in promoting regional peace and stability. Both sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in defence and security domains.

Pakistan and Norway have traditionally maintained cordial relations, with cooperation spanning diplomacy, trade, development, maritime affairs and peace and security. In recent years, Islamabad has sought greater engagement with European countries on regional security, counterterrorism and its role in promoting dialogue in conflicts beyond South Asia.

Norway has also maintained an active diplomatic interest in conflict resolution and international law, including through its longstanding mediation efforts. Oslo’s engagement with Pakistan has gained additional significance amid Pakistan’s expanding diplomatic role in the Middle East, particularly its efforts to facilitate dialogue following the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.

The visit by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide comes against this broader backdrop of shifting regional security dynamics. His meetings with Pakistan’s military leadership and government provide an opportunity for both sides to explore greater cooperation on defence and security while discussing regional stability, international law and Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator in major geopolitical crises.