Pakistan, Somalia agree to strengthen counter-terrorism, border management cooperation

Pakistan and Somalia had agreed to enhance cooperation in training, border management, and disaster management, and also discussed adopting a joint strategy against terrorism and extremism, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

The development came as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met a high-level delegation from Somalia led by its Interior Minister Ali Yusuf.

“During the meeting, bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Somalia were discussed. The interior ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in training, border management, and disaster management, and also agreed on adopting a joint strategy against terrorism and extremism.

“It was decided to further strengthen cooperation in internal security, counter-terrorism, and security-related matters,” the ministry statement read.

Also read: Pakistan supports Somalia’s territorial integrity

Both ministers had agreed to improve coordination to enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, it added. “The Somali interior minister expressed his determination to benefit from Pakistan’s experience….Naqvi assured cooperation in policing and counter-terrorism.”

The Somali interior minister said Somalia was facing difficult circumstances and was fighting terrorists, expressing hope that the visit would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

‎The delegation included the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sheikh Noor Muhammad Hassan; Hamza Aden, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Osman Abdullahi, Deputy Police Chief; Liban, Adviser to the Police Chief; Ms. Adal Abdi, Policy Adviser, Ministry of Interior; and Ms. Asma Hagi, Diplomatic Coordinator at the Embassy of Somalia.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, Additional Interior Secretary, Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad, DG FIA, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.