Tuesday August 26, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia and Pakistan have pledged to
strengthen cooperation in security, education and economic development
following high-level talks on the sidelines of a key Islamic bloc meeting in
Saudi Arabia.
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met with
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq
Dar during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.
Both officials agreed to expand bilateral collaboration in
areas including security, military training, healthcare and institutional
development, according to Somalia’s Foreign Ministry. The talks also touched on
simplifying visa procedures and facilitating the movement of citizens between
the two nations.
Ali praised Pakistan for its “long-standing friendship” with
Somalia and urged further educational exchanges, particularly through Pakistani
scholarship programs for Somali students. He also called for joint efforts to
build institutional capacity and enhance security cooperation.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Somalia’s stability,
pledging to share expertise in defense and other critical sectors. He said
Islamabad is ready to advance ties “across multiple fields” to support
Somalia’s development.
The meeting underscores growing engagement among OIC member
states as Somalia seeks strategic partnerships to bolster its security, rebuild
institutions and expand opportunities for its citizens.