ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Norway discussed regional and international issues, bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation during talks in Islamabad on Thursday.
Addressing a joint press conference with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan considers Jammu and Kashmir a long-standing unresolved international dispute that has remained on the UN Security Council agenda since 1948.
He said disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
“Jammu and Kashmir remain one of the long-standing unresolved international disputes and has been on the UN Security Council agenda since 1948,” he said.
Indus Water Treaty
Dar also raised India’s unilateral announcement placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, terming the move contrary to international law. He called for an end to the “weaponization of water” by India and urged the South Asian country to fulfil its treaty obligations.
“India had added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation by unilaterally announcing the abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty in contravention of international law,” he said. “We reiterate that India must end the weaponization of water and uphold its treaty obligations under international law.”
Makkah Joint Defense Agreement
The Pakistan foreign minister told his Norwegian counterpart that the newly formed Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was defensive in nature and was not directed against any specific country. He said the agreement is intended to support peace through strength and solidarity rather than regional confrontation.
Islamabad MoU
Dar also briefed Eide on Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts for dialogue, de-escalation and a peaceful settlement of the Middle East War.
Norway supported Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East War.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the Israeli attacks on Iran violated international rules. He said keeping the Strait of Hormuz and other major sea lanes open was a global responsibility and called for freedom of navigation in the broader international interest.
The Pakistani foreign minister thanked Norway for appreciating Pakistan’s mediatory role.
Palestine
On Palestine, the Norwegian foreign minister said Norway supports a free, sovereign and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. He said Norway remains committed to the Oslo process and a two-state solution.
Bilateral relations
Pakistan and Norway agreed to broaden cooperation in several areas, including commerce, investment, education, defense, climate policy, information technology and maritime affairs.
Pakistan’s information technology exports to Norway have risen by more than five times over the last two years. The countries will hold their next round of bilateral political consultations in Islamabad later this year.
The two leaders said current trade levels do not reflect the scope for economic ties and agreed to pursue measures to increase bilateral commerce.
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