Pakistan, Somalia to boost security cooperation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets a high-level Somali delegation

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday met a high-level Somali delegation led by Somalia's Interior Minister Ali Yusuf at the Ministry of Interior on Friday.

The two interior ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in training, border management, and disaster management, while also adopting a joint strategy against terrorism and extremism. They further decided to deepen cooperation in internal security, counterterrorism, and overall security coordination.

Both ministers stressed the need for improved coordination to advance shared interests in various sectors.

Somalia's Interior Minister expressed a strong desire to benefit from Pakistan's experience, noting that Minister Mohsin Naqvi's initiatives for Islamabad's infrastructure development were "commendable."

Minister Naqvi assured his counterpart of Pakistan's full support to Somalia in policing and counterterrorism. He added that Pakistan would extend complete cooperation to Somalia across multiple sectors, including counterterrorism.

He also announced visa facilitation for Somali citizens traveling to Pakistan for medical treatment and education.

Somalia's Interior Minister said his country was facing a difficult situation and was actively fighting terrorists. He expressed hope that the visit would expand bilateral relations between the two countries.

He also delivered a special message from the Prime Minister of Somalia for Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The Somali Interior Minister formally invited Minister Mohsin Naqvi to visit Somalia.

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