Pakistan, Norway deepen counterterrorism amid Afghan threats

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norway's foreign minister Espen Barth Eide agreed to deepen counterterrorism ties, targeting threats from Afghan soil. They also discussed illegal immigration curbs and legal cooperation. ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Friday discussed enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism, with particular focus on the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups for attacks against Pakistan. Eide, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit — the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade — held detailed talks with Naqvi on bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation in law enforcement. According to an Interior Ministry handout, the two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in counterterrorism, prevention of illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The ministers also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and activities of proscribed organisations operating from the neighbouring country. Naqvi told the Norwegian foreign minister that Afghan soil was continuously being used for terrorism in Pakistan, stressing that Islamabad stood 'as a wall' between the international community and terrorist elements. 'Everyone must work together for the complete eradication of terrorism,' Naqvi said. The two sides also reviewed measures to curb illegal immigration to Europe from Pakistan. Naqvi said Pakistan's measures had resulted in a 47 per cent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe, adding that the country had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration. He stressed that promoting legal migration was essential to effectively combat illegal immigration and said Pakistan's measures had also been appreciated by the European Union. Eide, meanwhile, lauded Pakistan's 'constructive and active' role during the US-Iran conflict and appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway, particularly in politics and the health sector. The Norwegian foreign minister's visit is being seen as an important step towards expanding Pakistan-Norway relations, with both sides expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation across security and other areas of mutual interest. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and senior officials also attended the meeting. On Thursday, Eide held separate meetings with Pakistan's senior civilian and military leadership, during which the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime affairs, skilled labour and security, besides exchanging views on regional developments.