Norway waives off $20m loan
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Norway have expressed resolve to engage in extensive 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 Mr. Jonas Gahr Store while addressing a joint news conference after their talks here on Wednesday.
Mr. Khurshid Mahmood 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 cooperation bilaterally and in international fora. He told that both the countries also agreed to build cooperation in area of environment where Norway has offered to share know how and methodology.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. 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 . Answering questions he said his country supports a political settlement of Kashmir issue which is a matter of concern as it has direct impacts on global security. He said his country is ready to play its role in moving forwards to an amicable resolution of the dispute if both the sides are agreed. But he said India is reluctant to accept any mediation from outside. He complimented both Pakistan and India for having dialogue to resolve the issue.
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. He said Norway is supporting in economic reconstruction activities in that country and it supports Bonn process which should be going on with a message that political process is on its way to bring peace there.
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 victim of terrorism.