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Pakistan and Norway Agree to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation
ISLAMABAD — August 13, 2026
Pakistan and Norway agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, investment, education and maritime affairs during Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s visit to Islamabad. The two sides also discussed regional security, climate change, migration and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue over the Iran conflict.
Eide held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Officials said the meetings covered bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During his meeting with Munir, Eide discussed regional security and cooperation on common security challenges. Pakistan’s military leadership also briefed him on Islamabad’s views on regional stability and international peace. Eide praised the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in supporting regional peace.
A major part of Eide’s visit focused on Pakistan’s role in efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. The Norwegian minister described Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts as important and constructive and said Pakistan’s attempt to facilitate talks was significant for wider international efforts to reduce tensions.
Eide also stressed the importance of keeping international shipping routes open, saying Norway and Pakistan shared an interest in safe passage through major sea lanes. He said the security of maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, should be treated as a global concern rather than only an issue between countries involved in a conflict.
The Norwegian minister said his country had significant disagreements with Iran on other matters but maintained that Iran, like other states, had the right to protection under international law. He also said Norway was prepared to assist Pakistan’s peace efforts where its experience in mediation could be useful.
The talks extended beyond security. Pakistan and Norway agreed to work on stronger trade and investment links, while also discussing education, information technology, climate change and maritime affairs. Dar said bilateral trade remained below the potential of the two economies and required measures to expand commercial ties.
Dar highlighted growing technology links between the countries, saying Pakistan’s IT exports to Norway had increased more than fivefold over the previous two years. He also pointed to investment by Norwegian companies in Pakistan, including a planned plant-nutrition joint venture involving Yara International and Fauji Fertiliser.
Climate cooperation was another area of discussion. Dar said Pakistan and Norway had signed an agreement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in April, while Eide highlighted climate change, poverty, global health and environmental protection as issues requiring international cooperation.
The two governments also discussed maritime cooperation and Pakistan’s ship-recycling industry. Dar said Pakistan’s location and existing facilities could offer opportunities for Norwegian shipping interests, while Norway could continue supporting technical training and capacity building for Pakistan’s shipbreaking sector.
Migration and labour mobility were also on the agenda. The two sides agreed to continue discussions on legal pathways for skilled Pakistani workers while cooperating against human smuggling and irregular migration.
The officials also discussed the Pakistani community in Norway, with Eide describing the diaspora as an important link between the two countries. Both sides agreed that stronger people-to-people connections could contribute to closer economic and social relations.
Regional matters, including Afghanistan and Kashmir, were also raised. Dar briefed Eide on Pakistan’s position regarding Kashmir and its concerns over India’s decision concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s recently signed defence agreement with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
At the delegation-level talks, officials reviewed cooperation across trade, investment, education, climate change and maritime affairs and agreed to strengthen political and institutional engagement. They also discussed international developments and reaffirmed support for multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The visit was the first by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in about a decade. Both governments said the visit provided an opportunity to build on existing political contacts and develop new areas of cooperation.
The two sides are expected to continue bilateral political consultations, with the next round scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad later this year. Officials said they hoped the recent discussions would lead to stronger economic, diplomatic and institutional ties between Pakistan and Norway.
