By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro Monday said the mandate of caretaker government is to facilitate free, fair and peaceful election and it would take all possible measures to fulfil this obligation.
International observers including the Norwegian are welcome to monitor the process as the government is determined to ensuring credible elections in the country, he said while talking to visiting Foreign Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Store, who met him here.
During the meeting bilateral, regional and international issues were discussed.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to its friendly relations with Norway and wants to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields including diplomatic, economic, defence and especially trade for which there is great potential.
He also lauded the role of Norwegian development assistance to Pakistan in education and health sectors.
Both sides appreciated the level of progress in strengthening relations and stressed upon the need to further enhance them.
Talking about the regional situation, the Prime Minister said the unique geo-strategic location enjoyed by Pakistan, poses many challenges and opportunities.
He said Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and stability in the region so as to leverage its true potential and to ensure a better future for the next generations.
In this context, he mentioned Pakistan’s commitment to the process of composite dialogue with India and efforts for peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan wants strong, stable and prosperous Afghanistan as it is in our national interest.
Terming terrorism as a serious threat to peace, progress and prosperity of the world, the Prime Minister said as a frontline state in fighting terrorism Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism and rejects it in all its forms and manifestations.
Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, alongwith international community is engaged in fighting this menace and will continue playing its role in this regard.
However, he said in order to root out terrorism, it is essential to address its basic causes which stems from economic deprivation and outstanding political disputes.
The international community needs to play a more affective role in this respect, he added.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan despite having limited resources had done a lot in the improvement of the economic situation and infrastructure development of the areas bordering Afghanistan and called upon extensive involvement of international community in these efforts to further improve the economic situation through infrastructural development, thus creating more jobs for the youth and improving their standard of living.
He said Pakistan is an open country and being a fast growing economy, offers immense opportunities for investment and businesses.
Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, offers level playing field to local and foreign investors and asked the Norwegian investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said Pakistani community living in Norway is contributing towards bringing both the countries closer and commended the investment made by Norwegian companies in the telecommunication sector, particularly the Telenor which has invested heavily in Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Norwegian government strongly condemned the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto and expressed condolence on her untimely death.
On the issue of terrorism, the Foreign Minister appreciated the steps taken by the Pakistani government to ensure peace and stability in the region and extended his government’s support to the policies of government of Pakistan in its campaign against terrorism.
He expressed the hope that both the countries would work closely and the relations between them would grow further as the two countries share the desire to further expand the ties.
Caretaker Foreign Minister, Inam ul Haq and the Ambassador of Norway in Pakistan were also present.