By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan, Per Albert Ilsaas, met with Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Farzhana Naek at the PRCS National Headquarters here Wednesday to review ongoing NorCross supported humanitarian programmes, commend PRCS efforts across the country, and discuss how Norway can further expand cooperation to strengthen community resilience and reach vulnerable and marginalized populations.
The meeting was attended by Head of Development Cooperation at the Norwegian Embassy Anja Myrtveit, Global Grants and Partnership Advisor of the Norwegian Red Cross for the Asia Pacific region Sofia Janjua, and NorCross Pakistan Head of Delegation Dr Ulugbek Aminov.
Chairperson Farzhana Naek briefed the ambassador on Norwegian Red Cross supported initiatives being implemented across Pakistan for over two decades, outlining their impact on disaster response, health services and community resilience.
She also shared details of her recent visit to Norway where she held meetings with the leadership of the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and members of the Pakistani diaspora, highlighting opportunities to enhance collaboration and mobilise additional support for humanitarian work in Pakistan.
Emphasizing the PRCS’s priorities, Ms Naek called for greater focus on far flung and underserved regions of the country where humanitarian needs remain acute and access to basic services continues to be limited.
Ambassador Ilsaas underlined the vital role of humanitarian services in Pakistan and appreciated the contribution of the PRCS in responding to emergencies and supporting communities in need.
He reaffirmed Norway’s continued support through the Norwegian Red Cross and said the Embassy of Norway looks forward to broadening cooperation to ensure assistance reaches the most vulnerable segments of society.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen their humanitarian partnership to improve service delivery across Pakistan.
The ambassador also recorded his remarks in the PRCS visitors book, acknowledging the organization’s humanitarian role and reiterating Norway’s commitment to sustained collaboration.
