Thursday August 6, 2026
Somalia and Pakistan are expanding defense ties, with a Somali delegation led by Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi meeting Pakistan’s military leadership in Islamabad on Wednesday to advance cooperation in maritime security, military training and institutional development.
The delegation held talks with Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf on broadening bilateral defense relations, improving security across the Indian Ocean and building the operational capacity of Somalia’s Navy and Coast Guard. The discussions also covered expanded training programs and professional exchanges between the two countries’ armed forces.
“The two sides discussed matters of mutual professional interest, regional maritime security and ways to expand bilateral defense collaboration,” Pakistan’s navy said following the meeting.
Admiral Ashraf reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to closer defense relations with Somalia and to supporting the strengthening of the country’s security institutions.
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 accompanied the delegation.
During the visit, the Somali officials toured the headquarters of Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan’s state-owned defense manufacturer. Chief Executive Officer Asad Kamal briefed them on the company’s production capacity, military technologies and modern security solutions.
The meetings also examined potential cooperation in defense manufacturing, military modernization and technology transfer, with the aim of reinforcing Somalia’s defense capabilities.
The delegation subsequently visited Pakistan’s National Defense University, where Commandant Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar outlined the institution’s work in advanced military education, strategic studies, national security research and the preparation of senior military leaders.
The talks underscore increasingly close defense cooperation between Mogadishu and Islamabad as Somalia works to modernize its armed forces and improve the effectiveness of its navy and coast guard. The effort comes amid continuing security challenges, including counterterrorism operations and the need to protect Somalia’s long coastline and maritime resources.
