Pakistan and Somalia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the defense ministries of the two countries which aims to expand the strategic partnership in the areas of defense, security and the advancements of the military capabilities.
The defense partnership was signed in Islamabad, where Somalia’s Defense Minister, Mr. Ahmed Ma’alin Fiqi, leading a high-powered delegation from the Somali Federal Government is on an official working visit to Pakistan.
On the Pakistani side, the Defense and Security partnership were signed by the defense minister of Pakistan, Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
According to the agreement, the two countries will closely cooperate in the fight against terrorism, military training, exchange of military experts, the development of military capabilities, and ways to bolster the security cooperation so as to support the peace and stability in Somalia and the entire region.
During the official working visit, Somalia’s delegation held a meeting with the Commander of the Pakistani Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and the Pakistani Air Force Chief, Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu while the discussions centered on maritime security, defense partnership, and rebuilding the military capabilities.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthen the defense cooperation with Somalia while Somalia’s Defense Minister commended Pakistan’s role in regional maritime and the advancements it has made in Air Force capabilities.
This agreement comes at a time when Somalia is accelerating its plans to strengthen the capabilities of the national armed forces as it prepares for a new phase in the country’s security while the government of Pakistan is expanding its defense cooperation with nations across the Islamic World.
