Pakistan, Somalia agree to enhance defence cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Somalia on Wednesday agreed to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, as a high-level Somali delegation led by Defence Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi held separate meetings with the chiefs of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force in Islamabad.

During the visit to Naval Headquarters, the Somali defence minister met Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The two sides discussed matters of mutual professional interest, regional maritime security and ways to expand bilateral defence collaboration. Admiral Ashraf reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence ties with Somalia.

The delegation later called on Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters, where discussions focused on defence cooperation, professional collaboration and capacity building.

The air chief highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s indigenous capability development, training infrastructure and professional exchange programmes, reaffirming the PAF’s commitment to supporting institutional cooperation with the Somali Air Force.

The Somali defence minister appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting regional maritime security and praised the Pakistan Air Force’s professionalism, operational capabilities and institutional development.

The meetings reflect the growing defence engagement between Pakistan and Somalia and both sides’ commitment to expanding cooperation in maritime security, military training and professional capacity building.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026