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Pakistan to Help Somalia in Internal Security, Counter-Terrorism and Security-Related Matters

By Zahid Shah

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Somalia on Friday agreed to deepen cooperation in counter-terrorism, internal security and border management, as Islamabad offered to share its policing and security experience to support Somalia’s fight against extremism and instability.

Pakistan Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met a high-level Somali delegation led by Interior Minister Ali Yusuf and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to assisting Somalia in strengthening its security institutions and counter-terrorism capacity.

Welcoming his counterpart at the Ministry of Interior, Naqvi held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and avenues for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual concern. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in training, border management, disaster response and internal security, and to adopt a joint strategy to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

The two ministers underlined the need for closer coordination between their interior ministries to ensure effective implementation of agreed measures. Naqvi assured Somalia of Pakistan’s full support in policing, counter-terrorism operations and capacity building, drawing on Pakistan’s extensive experience in dealing with security challenges.

Somali Interior Minister Ali Yusuf said his country was keen to benefit from Pakistan’s expertise, noting that Somalia continues to face difficult security conditions while fighting terrorist groups. He expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties and translate into practical cooperation on the ground.

During the meeting, the Somali minister conveyed a special message from the Prime Minister of Somalia to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and he also extended an official invitation to Mohsin Naqvi to visit Somalia.

The Somali delegation included Ambassador Sheikh Noor Muhammad Hassan, Hamza Aden, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osman Abdullahi, Deputy Police Chief, Liban, Adviser to the Police Chief, Ms. Adal Abdi, Policy Adviser at the Ministry of Interior, and Ms. Asma Hagi, Diplomatic Coordinator at the Embassy of Somalia.