Somali Defence Minister Meets Naval and Air Chiefs to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 5: A high-level defence delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia, led by Minister of Defence Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and professional collaboration.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Somali delegation held separate meetings at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and Air Headquarters (AHQ), where both sides discussed matters of mutual professional interest and explored ways to further strengthen defence ties.

During the meeting at Naval Headquarters, discussions focused on regional maritime security and bilateral naval cooperation. Admiral Naveed Ashraf reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence relations with Somalia and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At Air Headquarters, the two sides discussed bilateral defence cooperation, professional collaboration and capacity building. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s indigenous capability development, training programmes and professional exchange initiatives, reaffirming the PAF’s commitment to supporting institutional cooperation with the Somali Air Force.

The Somali Defence Minister appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional maritime security and praised the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism and operational capabilities.

The meetings reflected the shared commitment of Pakistan and Somalia to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and expand collaboration between their armed forces.