Islamabad, 4 August 2022 (TDI): Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan called on, Syed Amin-Ul-Haque, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan, on Wednesday.
The Federal Minister exchanged views on matters of mutual interest as well as highlighted Pakistan and Norway’s friendly ties.
Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin-Ul-Haque at #MOITT in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/5OGpg2jemp
— Ministry of IT & Telecom (@MoitOfficial) August 3, 2022
Moreover, the Minister briefed the Ambassador about the policies of the government of Pakistan regarding sustainable growth of the Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication sectors.
In addition, Mohsin Mushtaq, Additional Secretary (Incharge) MOITT, Syed Jawad Sherazi, Director General IC, and Members International Coordination also attended the meeting.
Remarks by the Federal Minister and Ambassador
The Minister stated, “Ministry of IT & Telecom assures full information and communications technology (ICT) support and cooperation to enhance the relations between the two countries.”
The Norwegian Ambassador said, “Pakistan and Norway are enjoying excellent relations, which need to be further promoted, especially on IT & Telecom fronts.”
Previously, in July 2022, the Norwegian Ambassador also met the Finance Minister of Pakistan, Miftah Ismail. They held discussions on strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Mr. Miftah Ismail,today and discussed matters of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/rrTf0y82v5
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) July 19, 2022
Pakistan and Norway’s Bilateral Relations
In 1947, Norway was among the first states to recognize Pakistan as a sovereign state. It established its Embassy in Islamabad in 1976. The states have close people-to-people relations.
Furthermore, Pakistan and Norway’s bilateral development cooperation started in 1969. Norway provides development assistance to Pakistan in several sectors including education, women and gender equality, and mitigation and prevention of natural disasters.
There have been frequent exchanges of visits between Pakistan and Norway, in recent years. In 2015, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif visited Oslo. While Foreign Minister of Norway, Børge Brende visited Islamabad in 2015 and 2016.
Moreover, in April 2017, bilateral consultations between civil servants from the respective Foreign Ministries took place in Oslo.
Additionally, they maintain good trade relations. In 2017, the value of total bilateral trade was 941 million NOK, as compared to NOK 715 million in 2016.
