ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, undertook an official visit to Norway on June 5-6, 2023, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. During her visit, she held meetings with high-level Norwegian officials and engaged in discussions on various areas of mutual interest.
In her meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, both sides acknowledged the 75 years of strong bilateral ties and expressed the desire to further deepen the relationship. They emphasized the significance of multilateralism in addressing regional and global challenges effectively.
The Minister of State also had a productive discussion with State Secretary Erling Rimestad, where she expressed gratitude for Norway’s generous support in assisting flood affectees in Pakistan. The two sides explored avenues for cooperation in green energy, shipping, blue economy, higher education, research, and micro hydropower investments in Pakistan. Additionally, they exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual concern.
During her visit to the Norwegian Parliament, the Minister of State met with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, led by Ms. Ine Eriksen Søreide, the Committee Chair. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global issues affecting global peace. The Minister of State expressed hope that Norway would continue to promote international law and play a constructive role in resolving international conflicts.
Addressing the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar delivered a speech on “Global Peace & Security seen from Pakistan.” Her address covered various global and regional developments and their impact on the international political order, as well as Pakistan’s security outlook. The event was attended by diplomats, politicians, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, prominent members of the diaspora, academia, and media.
Furthermore, the Minister of State met with the top management of Norwegian companies already operating in Pakistan. She expressed appreciation for their investments and expressed optimism that these ventures would encourage other private companies from Norway to establish business relations with Pakistan. The meeting included key figures such as Rita Skjaervik (Executive Vice President, Telenor), Terje Pilskog (CEO, Scatec), Morten Fon (CEO, Jotun Paints), Robert Storbekk (Chair, Norhydro), and Rukhsar Hamid (CEO, Norhydro).
Additionally, the Minister of State had a luncheon meeting with a group of young and aspiring Norwegian entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and IT sectors, who showed interest in conducting business in Pakistan. Representatives from Norway’s Shipowners’ Association also participated in the meeting, further exploring potential collaborations.
The visit of the Minister of State served as a precursor to the 12th Session of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Norway. The discussions and decisions made during the visit will guide the agenda of the upcoming consultations. The exchange of visits between high-ranking officials from both countries within a short span of six months has invigorated bilateral ties as Pakistan and Norway commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
