Islamabad, Jan 20, IRNA ,
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has emphasized the need for better understanding between Islam and the West to bridge the widening religious divide.

He was talking to former prime minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik in Islamabad on Saturday.

Shaukat Aziz also stressed on removing a sense of deprivation, dispute resolution and injustice which are the source of extremism and terrorism.

He said social security and economic development are the best guarantee to tackle the problem of extremism and terrorism.

The prime minister commended the launching of Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights set up by Bondevik and hoped it will be successful in achieving peace and interfaith harmony.

Shaukat Aziz also briefed him about the composite dialogue with India to resolve the outstanding issues including Kashmir and said they are making some headway.

He said Pakistan is keen to strengthen its ties with Norway and thanked him for Norwegian development assistance to Pakistan.

The former Norwegian prime minister said they encourage people of different faiths in the Center for Peace and Human Rights to achieve the common objectives of peace.