Pakistan and Norway have reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries, according to a joint communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agreement followed delegation-level talks between Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on August 13, 2026.
The high-level visit marks the first time in a decade that a Norwegian foreign minister has traveled to Pakistan, according to Dunya News. During the meetings, both delegations expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms in accordance with international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Expansion
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed ways to broaden trade and investment ties, focusing on port connectivity and shipping links. Officials reviewed Pakistan’s growing IT and ITeS exports to Norway alongside the increasing participation of Pakistani firms at events such as Oslo Innovation Week. Furthermore, the discussions covered ongoing work under the SENSREC-DW Pakistan project, which builds on Pakistan’s experience in ship recycling following its ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention.
During televised remarks reported by Dunya News, Eide noted that commercial relations are expanding particularly in the energy and fertilizer sectors. Both countries also pointed to potential opportunities to strengthen economic relations through cooperation involving Switzerland and Iceland.
Regional Mediation and International Conflicts
Norway praised Pakistan’s constructive role in mediating regional conflicts. According to new.radio.gov.pk, Eide commended Islamabad’s efforts during the recent Iran-US conflict, which culminated in Islamabad Memorandums of Understanding signed by the parties on June 17, 2026, and subsequent high-level technical talks. Eide stated that Norway valued its partnership with Pakistan and was prepared to support ongoing peace initiatives using Oslo’s communication channels with both Tehran and Washington.
The two foreign ministers also addressed the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, noting severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls, including access to education and public life. On the global stage, the delegations discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the war in Gaza, underscoring the necessity of ceasefire compliance and a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East.
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