Summary Naqvi stressed that expanding opportunities for lawful migration was important for addressing the issue of illegal movement of people.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan and Norway have agreed to strengthen coordination in counterterrorism, tackling illegal migration, police training and mutual legal assistance, with both sides expressing a desire to expand cooperation in security and law enforcement.
The agreement came during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at the Ministry of Interior on Friday.
The two officials reviewed bilateral ties as well as regional developments and other matters of common interest.
Naqvi said measures taken by Pakistan had led to a 47 per cent decline in illegal immigration. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards irregular migration and said Pakistan’s steps had been acknowledged by the European Union.
He stressed that expanding opportunities for lawful migration was important for addressing the issue of illegal movement of people.
The meeting also covered the activities of banned groups based in Afghanistan. Naqvi expressed concern over the continued use of Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan and called for coordinated efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Norwegian FM acknowledged Pakistan’s role in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran and exchanged views with Naqvi on developments in the region.
The Norwegian foreign minister also praised the Pakistani community in Norway for its contributions to different fields of society.
Naqvi described Eide’s visit as a significant opportunity to further develop relations between Pakistan and Norway.
Eide reached Pakistan on Thursday on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the visit, the two foreign ministers held talks covering bilateral relations and regional and international issues.
Dar said Pakistan valued its partnership with Norway and wanted to broaden cooperation in various areas. Eide, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards promoting peace at the regional and international levels.
The visiting Norwegian delegation also met Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Discussions focused on regional security, bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.
