Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Qazi reflected on her three-and-a-half-year diplomatic tenure, stating that her key priorities had been to promote Pakistan’s positive image, strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Norway, and improve consular services for the Pakistani diaspora.
She highlighted one of the most significant achievements of her tenure: Pakistan’s removal from Norway’s annual national security report listing countries associated with security concerns. She said the development came after sustained diplomatic engagement and close coordination with Norwegian authorities.
The ambassador noted that, following this progress, restrictions on Pakistani-origin youth participating in the Telenor Open Mind Programme were lifted. The programme provides training and employment opportunities, enabling young Pakistanis in Norway to benefit on equal terms. She added that positive progress had also been made regarding export control issues and other restrictions affecting Pakistan.
Ambassador Qazi said bilateral ties had strengthened through an increase in high-level government, parliamentary, and official exchanges between the two countries. She also welcomed the establishment of the Pakistan–Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Norwegian Parliament, describing it as an important milestone for future parliamentary cooperation.
She further revealed that Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide is expected to visit Pakistan in August, a trip she said would further expand relations between the two countries.
On economic diplomacy, Ambassador Qazi said the embassy had actively promoted investment opportunities in Pakistan among Norwegian and Icelandic investors, with particular focus on information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, and emerging technologies. She also facilitated links between Pakistani institutions and Icelandic partners in the field of geothermal energy.
She emphasised that Pakistan’s position had been effectively presented through engagement with Norwegian think tanks, universities, media organisations, and international forums. The embassy also continued to highlight the human rights situation in Kashmir while promoting Pakistan’s perspective in Norwegian media.
The ambassador said cultural diplomacy remained a key priority during her tenure. Events including Iqbal literary gatherings, Qawwali performances, cultural festivals, and national day celebrations were organised to showcase Pakistan’s rich heritage and strengthen cultural understanding in Norway.
Highlighting community services, she said the embassy had expanded support for overseas Pakistanis through the establishment of a NADRA counter, resolution of NICOP and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) issues, progress on dual citizenship matters, and timely assistance to Pakistani nationals during emergencies.
She also reaffirmed the embassy’s continued efforts to restore direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Pakistan and Norway. Discussions with Norwegian authorities, airport management, and PIA officials remain ongoing, and she expressed hope that direct air connectivity would resume in the near future.
Concluding her remarks, Ambassador Qazi credited the embassy’s officers and staff for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication in achieving these diplomatic successes. She praised the Pakistani community in Norway for serving as a strong bridge of friendship between the two countries and thanked Pakistani media organisations for promoting Pakistan’s positive image abroad. She also commended Dunya News Norway for its contributions in highlighting the Pakistani community and positive developments related to Pakistan.