Islamabad — President Asif Ali Zardari has called for strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Norway, Azerbaijan and Switzerland, with a focus on expanding trade, investment, economic cooperation and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The ambassadors-designate of the three countries presented their credentials to the President at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where he congratulated them on their appointments and expressed his best wishes for successful tenures in Pakistan.
During his meeting with Norway’s Ambassador-designate, Sigvald Hauge, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendly relations with Norway. He appreciated Norway’s assistance following Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2022 and welcomed the memorandum of understanding on climate cooperation signed in April 2026.
The President identified renewable energy, maritime affairs, technology, trade and investment as promising areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation. He also acknowledged the Pakistani diaspora’s positive contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.
In his meeting with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador-designate, Irfan Shakiroglu Davudov, President Zardari underscored the close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of translating strong political ties into increased trade and investment.
He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in energy, regional connectivity and defence, welcomed progress in defence-industrial collaboration and noted that direct air links between the two countries were helping promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
During his meeting with Switzerland’s Ambassador-designate, Stéphane Laurent Rey, the President appreciated Switzerland’s contributions to mediation and international peace efforts, including its facilitation of technical talks between the United States and Iran at Bürgenstock.
President Zardari emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation in promoting regional peace and stability. He also identified significant opportunities to expand Pakistan-Switzerland cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, information technology, cybersecurity, renewable energy, water management and tourism.
The meetings reflected Pakistan’s commitment to deepening engagement with its international partners, strengthening economic diplomacy and building mutually beneficial partnerships across diverse sectors.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Secretary Foreign Affairs Asim Iftikhar Ahmad were also present during the meetings.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
