OSLO, Norway: The 11th Round of Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Oslo on December 6, 2021.
The Pakistan side was led by the Additional Secretary (Europe) Dr. Muhammad Tariq while the Norwegian delegation was headed by the Director-General of the Department for Regional Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Vebjørn Dysvik.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Norway Babar Amin also participated in the meeting.
The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed opportunities for further cooperation, especially in the spheres of trade & investment, energy, education, parliamentary exchanges, health and global pandemics, culture, and enhancement of people-to-people contacts.
The additional secretary (Europe) apprised the Norwegian side of the government’s shift from geopolitics to geo-economics.
Dr. Muhammad Tariq invited Norwegian Companies to benefit from Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies, particularly in clean and green energy, climate change, and agriculture. He also proposed the establishment of a joint economic commission and the initiation of negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty between the two countries.
The Norwegian side was apprised of efforts being undertaken by Pakistan for bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. He emphasized that the international community should assist the Afghan people in averting a humanitarian crisis.
The Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in the evacuation of Norwegian nationals from Afghanistan and expressed gratitude for acceding to Norway’s request for allowing additional diplomats to be based in Islamabad to look after Afghan affairs.
Dr. Tariq briefed his Norwegian Counterpart on the atrocities being committed by Indian security forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Indian government’s unilateral actions to alter its demographic structure. He hoped that Norway would use its good offices to put pressure on India to reverse illegitimate Indian actions and take appropriate steps to stop the human rights violations in IIOJK.
The two delegations expressed satisfaction with their cooperation at international fora, including the United Nations, and resolved to continue their mutual support.
The additional secretary also called on the State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Henrik Thune.
They discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation on regional and international issues.
The additional secretary highlighted atrocities perpetrated by Indian security forces in IIOJK.
Dr. Tariq also called on the President of the Norwegian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Ms. Ine Eriksen Søreide.
The additional secretary underlined the importance of enhanced bilateral and parliamentary cooperation. He shared Pakistan’s perspective on Afghanistan and the human rights situation in IIOJK.
Dr. Tariq invited Mr. Thune and Ms. Søreide to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan and Norway share longstanding, cooperative relations, both at bilateral and multilateral levels. A sizable Pakistani community resides in Norway and positively contributes to its society. Norway is one of the leading investors in Pakistan.
The next round of the Pakistan-Norway BPC will be held in Islamabad on mutually agreed dates.
