Thursday August 6, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Somali government delegation led by Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi held high-level meetings with Pakistan's military leadership in Islamabad on Wednesday, as the two countries moved to deepen cooperation in defense, maritime security and military capacity-building.
The delegation met with Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to discuss expanding bilateral defense ties, strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean, enhancing the capabilities of the Somali Navy and Coast Guard, and increasing military training and professional exchanges.
Admiral Ashraf reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening defense relations with Somalia and supporting the development of Somalia's security institutions.
The Somali delegation included Somalia's ambassador to Pakistan, Sheikh Nur Mohamed Hassan, Somali Navy and Coast Guard Commander Admiral Abdiwahaab Abdullahi Omar and other senior government and military officials.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the headquarters of Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan's state-owned defense manufacturer, where Chief Executive Officer Asad Kamal briefed Somali officials on the company's defense production capabilities, military technologies and modern security solutions.
The two sides also explored opportunities for future cooperation in defense manufacturing, military modernization and technology transfer aimed at strengthening Somalia's defense capabilities.
The delegation later visited Pakistan's National Defense University, where Commandant Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar briefed Minister Fiqi on the university's role in higher military education, strategic studies, national security research and the training of senior military leaders.
The visit reflects growing defense cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan as Mogadishu seeks to modernize its armed forces and strengthen the capabilities of its navy and coast guard amid ongoing security challenges, including counterterrorism operations and the protection of Somalia's long coastline and maritime resources.
