ISLAMABAD, AUG 14: Pakistan and Norway have agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance as the two countries sought to further strengthen bilateral collaboration on security and law enforcement matters.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Friday, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

The two sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

Naqvi said Pakistan’s effective measures had resulted in a 47% reduction in illegal immigration and reiterated that the country had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards the practice.

He added that Pakistan’s efforts had been acknowledged by the European Union (EU) and stressed that promoting legal migration was essential for effectively tackling irregular migration.

The meeting also discussed the activities of banned organisations operating from Afghanistan.

The interior minister said Afghan territory continued to be used for terrorism against Pakistan, adding that the country stood as a barrier between the world and terrorism.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts to completely eliminate the threat.

FM Eide praised Pakistan’s role in helping reduce tensions between the United States and Iran and discussed the broader regional situation.

He also commended the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway, noting that it played an important role in various sectors of Norwegian society.

Naqvi said the Norwegian foreign minister’s visit would prove to be an important milestone in further strengthening relations between the two countries.

FM Eide arrived in Pakistan on Thursday at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

A day ago, DPM Dar and his Norwegian counterpart held a restricted-format meeting before leading delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Addressing a joint press conference after the talks, DPM Dar said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Norway and is committed to further deepening bilateral cooperation.

FM Eide lauded Pakistan’s efforts to advance regional and international peace, noting that these initiatives had garnered international recognition.

Norwegian FM Eide-led high-level delegation also called on Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the two sides discussed regional security, bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.