President Asif Ali Zardari received the credentials of the ambassadors-designate of Norway, Azerbaijan and Switzerland at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the three countries.
The president congratulated the diplomats on their appointments and wished them successful tenures in Pakistan. During separate meetings, he discussed opportunities to expand economic cooperation, trade and investment, alongside other areas of mutual interest.
Pakistan-Norway Relations
During his meeting with Norway’s Ambassador-designate, Sigvald Hauge, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.
He appreciated Norway’s support following Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2022 and welcomed the memorandum of understanding on climate cooperation signed in April 2026.
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The president identified renewable energy, maritime affairs, technology, trade and investment as areas offering opportunities for closer cooperation. He also acknowledged the Pakistani diaspora’s contribution to relations between the two countries.
Pakistan-Azerbaijan Cooperation
In his meeting with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador-designate, Irfan Shakiroglu Davudov, the president highlighted the close and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
He stressed the need to translate strong political relations into greater trade and investment. Energy, regional connectivity and defence were among the key areas identified for cooperation.
President Zardari welcomed progress in defence-industrial cooperation and noted that direct air links could further promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people contacts.
Engagement with Switzerland
During his meeting with Switzerland’s Ambassador-designate, Stéphane Laurent Rey, President Zardari appreciated Switzerland’s role in mediation and peace efforts, including its facilitation of technical talks between the United States and Iran at Bürgenstock.
He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation to support regional peace and stability.
The president also highlighted opportunities to strengthen bilateral engagement in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, information technology, cybersecurity, renewable energy, water management and tourism.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Secretary Foreign Affairs Asim Iftikhar Ahmad were also present during the meetings.
