Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s two-day visit marks the first trip by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in a decade, with trade, investment and clean energy high on the agenda.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in 10 years and signaling renewed momentum in bilateral relations.
Eide, who is visiting at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was received at Islamabad International Airport by Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ambassador Ayesha Ali.
The Norwegian foreign minister later met Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Delegation-level talks are also scheduled as part of the visit, which will continue through Aug. 14.
According to the Foreign Office, discussions will cover a broad range of bilateral issues, with trade and investment expected to remain key areas of focus. Climate change, renewable energy, education and stronger people-to-people contacts are also expected to feature prominently.
The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to expand economic and diplomatic partnerships with European countries, particularly in sectors such as investment, clean energy and sustainable development.
The two foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional and international developments, providing an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern.
The Foreign Office noted that the visit follows several high-level contacts between Islamabad and Oslo. Dar and Eide held telephone conversations in March and April, while Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Islamabad in May.
The latest engagement could help both countries move beyond diplomatic contacts toward practical cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy and education.
For Pakistan, closer ties with Norway could create opportunities for economic cooperation and sustainable development. For Norway, deeper engagement would strengthen relations with an important South Asian partner.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrives in Islamabad for official Pakistan visit
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