Pakistan and Norway have agreed to boost political consultations and further strengthen their trade, investment and economic ties to forge a productive partnership. This was stated by Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store while addressing a joint news conference after their talks in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Kasuri said both the sides have held fruitful and constructive talks and agreed to move forward towards expanding economic ties and underlined the need for a Free Trade Agreement for a greater access for Pakistani goods to Norway.
He said Norway is the fifth largest investor in Pakistan hoping that it will further invest in Pakistan in diverse field particularly in off shore oil exploration and fisheries where Norway has special expertise.
He said Norway is also a major development partner of Pakistan with strong interest in promoting education, health and social sector growth and both sides are keen to sustain and strengthen this productive partnership.
He said both the sides agreed to have annual political consultations for reviewing their relations and enhancing co-operation bilaterally and in international fora. He told that both the countries also agreed to build co-operation in area of environment where Norway has offered to share know-how and methodology.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister Store in a statement said his country gives special attachment to its relations with Pakistan and it is reflective from continuous visits of his country's leadership to Pakistan. He said both the countries need more extensive political dialogue at the higher level.
He appreciated Pakistani community living in his country, which is the largest foreign origin community and described it an important bond and bridge between the two nations who are working dedicatedly for the progress and development of Norway.
To a question he said his country supports a political settlement of Kashmir issue. He further said his country is ready to play its role in resolution of the dispute if both the sides are agreed. To another question he said his country is contributing significantly in bringing peace and security in Afghanistan and its reconstruction but peace in that country can come through only political means. Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri to a question said that Pakistan has vested interest in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan because it is hosting still three million refugees who should go to their home safely. Besides he said we are victims of terrorism.
He said we have all the reasons for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan as Pakistan wants to become a hub of trade and energy activities in the area and without peace in Afghanistan it cannot move its agenda forward.
To another question regarding President Karzai's statement on media the Foreign Minister said it is easy to explain one's position on media for common man but everyone knows the position better including President Bush and General Abi Zaid.
He said both the leaders know what Pakistan is doing and it is ready to cooperate with international community to bring peace at all cost. He suggested that Pakistan and Afghanistan should engage in a constructive dialogue.
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