Foreign Minister Støre in Islamabad for political talks

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is visiting Pakistan today for talks with the Pakistani authorities, including Prime Minister Gilani and Foreign Minister Qureshi.

“Our relations with Pakistan are important for Norway. Given the large number of Norwegians of Pakistani origin and Pakistan’s key role in its surrounding region, it is important for the Government to have good contact with the Pakistani authorities,” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.

During his visit, the Foreign Minister will also meet representatives of the country’s provincial governments and the opposition, as well as the International Red Cross, Telenor, and Pakistani commentators. Pakistan occupies a central position in a region that has become increasingly important to Norway, among other things due to Norway’s involvement in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan plays a key role in the stabilisation of Afghanistan, and it has suffered great losses in the fighting in the border areas. I will underscore that we hope that Pakistan can contribute to finding peaceful solutions in the region. I will also try to gain greater insight into the humanitarian consequences of the conflicts in the border areas,” Mr Støre commented.

Norway is also supporting Pakistan in the area of development cooperation, and it participates in the group Friends of Democratic Pakistan. The main priority areas for Norwegian development assistance to Pakistan are education, health and good governance.

Photos for free use will be available here: www.flickr.com/photos/utenriksdept

Press contact in connection with the visit: Head of Information Bjørn Jahnsen, mobile phone: +47 971 64 843.