ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday told Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide that Pakistan’s effective measures had resulted in a 47 per cent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe during the last over one year. The Norwegian foreign minister called on the interior minister, where the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, prevention of irregular migration, police training and mutual legal assistance. Naqvi warmly welcomed the Norwegian foreign minister upon his arrival at the Ministry of Interior, according to a statement issued by the ministry. Earlier this week, Eide arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit — the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade. Pakistan has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration and the country’s measures in this regard have also been appreciated by the European Union, Naqvi was quoted as saying this by interior ministry.
He emphasized that promoting legal immigration was extremely important for effectively curbing illegal immigration. The meeting included detailed deliberation on the promotion of bilateral relations and the regional situation. The situation in Afghanistan, the activities of banned organizations operating there and the use of Afghan soil in terror attacks against Pakistan were also discussed. The interior minister said that Afghan soil continued to be used for terrorism in Pakistan. “Pakistan stands as a wall between the world and terrorism,” he said, stressing that everyone must work together for the complete eradication of this menace. Naqvi said the foreign minister’s visit would prove to be an important milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations. Eide appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and active role” in helping reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. He acknowledged the prominent role of the Pakistani community in Norway, saying that the Pakistani diaspora is playing an important role in various fields, including politics and healthcare. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Ahmad Raza Sarwar and senior officials were present on the occasion.
