Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has conveyed Pakistan’s condolences to Norway following the death of King Harald V.
Dar spoke with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide by telephone on Sunday.
During the conversation, Dar expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the government and people of Pakistan.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s sympathies to the Norwegian Royal Family and the people of Norway.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has nominated Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan to represent Pakistan at the funeral procession in Oslo.
The funeral procession is scheduled to take place on September 9.
Pakistan-Norway Officials Agree to Maintain Contact
The two foreign ministers also discussed continued diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Norway.
Dar and Barth Eide agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.
They are also expected to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting could provide an opportunity for further discussions on bilateral relations and international developments.
Dar Discusses Regional Issues With Egyptian Counterpart
Later on Sunday, Dar held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
The two officials discussed Pakistan-Egypt relations and exchanged views on important regional and international developments.
Abdelatty invited Dar to visit Egypt for bilateral discussions at a mutually convenient time.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between Pakistan and Egypt.
They also agreed to remain engaged on regional security issues and meet during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.
King Harald V Dies at 89
King Harald V of Norway died on August 28 at the age of 89, according to the Norwegian Royal Palace.
The palace said the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital early Friday morning.
Harald had been admitted to hospital on August 17 while being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood.
The king had experienced health problems in recent years.
In 2024, he was hospitalised after developing an infection while visiting Malaysia. He received a temporary pacemaker during treatment and was later returned to Norway by the country’s armed forces.
A permanent pacemaker was subsequently fitted.
Harald became Norway’s ceremonial head of state in 1991 and remained on the throne for more than three decades.
In 2024, he announced that he would reduce his official engagements because of his health.
However, he rejected suggestions that he could abdicate.
The late monarch had maintained that his oath as king was for life.
