Pakistan and Norway have reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries.

The reiteration came in a Joint Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the visit of Foreign Minister of Norway Espen Barth Eide to Pakistan.

Both sides expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan.

They reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Acknowledging the serious security threats being faced by Pakistan, the Norwegian side encouraged efforts aimed at reducing tensions, addressing security concerns and upholding international law.

Both sides also noted with concern the deteriorating situation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, including restrictions on fundamental freedoms, access to education and participation in public life, as well as freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Afghanistan.

On the economic front, the two sides discussed ways to broaden trade and investment ties, with attention to port connectivity and shipping links between the two countries; Pakistan's growing IT and ITeS exports to Norway, along with the increasing participation of Pakistani firms at events such as Oslo Innovation Week.

Both sides expressed an interest in developing trading relations further and continuing cooperation under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation between Pakistan and EFTA.

They also agreed on the importance of the multilateral trading system with "WTO at its core" and that WTO reform is vital and should be pursued through a "Member-driven process" without delay.

Given Pakistan's experience and expertise in ship recycling, reinforced by its ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention, the two sides took note of ongoing work under the SENSREC-DW Pakistan project and the newly concluded MoU on Recognition of Training and Certification of Seafarers for service aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels.

On education, the two sides noted the value of programmes such as the Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation (Norpart) and Norway's newly launched scholarship scheme for students from developing countries, given the sizeable number of Pakistani students pursuing studies at Norwegian universities.

Both sides commended the support extended by each other at international platforms, including the United Nations, and agreed to continue advancing their cooperation on each other's candidatures to various international bodies.

The Pakistani side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The Norwegian side briefed on Russia's war against Ukraine. Both sides expressed support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

The Pakistani side briefed the Norwegian side on its mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict. The Norwegian side appreciated Pakistan's constructive mediatory role in support of regional stability, culminating in the Islamabad MoUs signed between the parties on 17 June 2026, as well as the start of subsequent high-level technical talks. The Norwegian side updated on its contact with the parties in the region and further reaffirmed its support for Pakistan's continued efforts toward a peaceful and durable resolution of the ongoing conflict.

Both sides discussed the situation in Palestine and welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza. They underscored the necessity of ensuring that all parties adhere to the ceasefire commitments, allow for safe, rapid and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, and work towards a permanent end to hostilities. They reaffirmed their support for practical and concrete steps toward long-term, sustainable peace based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Both sides also underscored their shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and promote peace and prosperity, sustainable development and human rights.