Rawalpindi,05 August 2026(Ghufran): Pakistan and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation during a high-level visit by a Somali defence delegation to Islamabad.
The delegation, led by Somalia’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, held separate meetings with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters (AHQ).
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), discussions at Naval Headquarters focused on matters of mutual professional interest, regional maritime security, and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence collaboration. Admiral Naveed Ashraf reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence relations with Somalia and expressed confidence that closer cooperation would contribute to regional peace and maritime security.
During the meeting at Air Headquarters, both sides reviewed opportunities for expanding bilateral defence cooperation, professional collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s progress in indigenous capability development, advanced training, and professional exchanges. He reiterated the PAF’s commitment to supporting institutional cooperation and sharing expertise with the Somali Air Force.
The Somali Defence Minister praised the Pakistan Navy’s significant role in promoting regional maritime security and commended the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism, operational excellence, and technological advancements.
The visit reflects the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and Somalia and underscores the shared commitment of both countries to enhancing military cooperation, professional exchanges, and regional stability through stronger institutional ties.