Pakistan offers training to Somalia professionals

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has assured Somalia of continued training opportunities for diplomatic, defence, banking, health and IT professionals.

The foreign minister met his Somali counterpart Abdisaid Mouse Ali on the margins of the 17th Extraordinary Session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers.

During the meeting, Qureshi appreciated the presence of over 2,000 Somali students in different educational institutions in Pakistan as their preferred destination under Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Programme.

The two ministers recalled their historic, fraternal and trust-based ties, which are anchored deeply in common faith and values. They also exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues concerning both states. Cooperation, shared perceptions and traditional support for one another in the international arena were also highlighted during the meeting.

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Both sides expressed satisfaction over the current status of Pakistan-Somalia relationship and shared the common desire and keenness for enhanced engagement at all levels.

Qureshi and Ali expressed readiness to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for ‘Bilateral Political Consultations’ between foreign ministers of both countries and to advance technical cooperation for supporting Somalia’s national database.

Extending full support for the efforts of the Somalian government for promotion of peace and progress in the country, Foreign Minister Qureshi extended a cordial invitation to his counterpart for a bilateral visit to Pakistan.