ISLAMABAD —(Horn Post) Somalia and Pakistan have signed a defence cooperation memorandum in Islamabad, expanding military training, counterterrorism cooperation, defence capability development and strategic security ties.
Somalia and Pakistan have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral military relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and Pakistan’s Minister of Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, during Fiqi’s official visit to Pakistan leading a Somali government delegation.
The MoU establishes a framework for expanded cooperation in several key areas, including counterterrorism operations, military education and training, defence capability development, the exchange of military expertise, and broader security cooperation aimed at supporting regional peace and stability.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said the agreement reflects both governments’ commitment to deepening strategic ties and creating a long-term defence partnership that serves the interests of both nations.
Pakistan Highlights Longstanding Defence Relations
Pakistan has described the agreement as part of its broader policy of strengthening defence cooperation with friendly countries, particularly in Africa and the Muslim world.
Although Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence had not immediately issued a detailed statement specifically on the signing, Islamabad has consistently emphasized its support for Somalia’s security sector reforms, military capacity-building and regional stability. Earlier this year, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to assisting Somalia in peace, security and institutional development during meetings with Somalia’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Pakistan also maintains long-standing diplomatic support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, repeatedly reaffirming that position in official Foreign Ministry statements.
Focus on Counterterrorism and Military Capacity
The new agreement comes as Somalia continues efforts to modernize its armed forces while fighting the al-Shabaab insurgency and expanding international security partnerships.
According to the MoU, cooperation will include:
- Counterterrorism collaboration
- Military training and professional education
- Exchange of defence expertise
- Defence capability development
- Enhanced bilateral security cooperation
Officials from both governments said the agreement lays the foundation for a practical and enduring strategic partnership designed to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two defence ministries.
The agreement also reflects Pakistan’s growing defence engagement with African partners while supporting Somalia’s efforts to build professional and capable national security institutions.
Prepared By:
Horn Post Staff
