ISLAMABAD: The 9th session of Pakistan-Norway Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Oslo from April 3 to April 4, 2017.
The Pakistan delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Zaheer A Janjua while the Norwegian side was led by Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Affairs Director General, Ambassador Tine Morch Smith.
The talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and identified opportunities and possibilities for further strengthening cooperation, especially in economic, trade, investment, cultural, and educational fields.
The two sides discussed the evolving peace and security environments in their respective regions. International issues of mutual interest also came under discussion. They also agreed to enhance cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.
The additional foreign secretary (Europe) called on State Secretary Marit Berger Rosland and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Wegger Chr Strommen.
During the meetings, he underscored the need for further strengthening the economic and trade relations as well as active collaboration in the educational and technical fields. He briefed the Norwegian dignitaries on the grave human rights violations perpetrated by the occupying forces in the Indian-held Kashmir. He also briefed them on the connectivity initiatives being launched in the region, which have opened immense opportunities for investment.
Pakistan and Norway cooperate closely on bilateral and multilateral issues.
The Annual Bilateral Political Consultations provide a useful platform to review progress in various fields, identify opportunities for future areas of cooperation. The last session of these consultations was held in Islamabad on February 25, 2014.
The next round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad on mutually convenient dates.