President Asif Ali Zardari met Somali Interior Minister Ali Yousuf, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement and witnessing the signing of an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, and Dawood Muhammad Baraech, Special Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan.
President Zardari noted that Africa plays a vital role in the global geopolitical landscape, adding that Pakistan seeks to enhance ties with African states, including Somalia. He described Pakistan’s engagement with Somalia as valuable and expressed support for closer collaboration in areas of shared interest.
Officials highlighted that this visit by the Somali Interior Minister marks the first bilateral official visit from Somalia to Pakistan in 35 years.
The President emphasised Pakistan’s continued commitment to regional and international efforts against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking. Broader geopolitical issues and opportunities for bilateral cooperation were also discussed.
Minister Ali Yousuf expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality during his visit, conveyed greetings from the Somali President through a letter, and reaffirmed Somalia’s desire to deepen bilateral ties. He described Pakistan as a reliable partner and brother to Somalia, recalling the sacrifices of Pakistani peacekeepers during UN missions in the 1990s.
Both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice, including discussions on a possible bilateral extradition treaty, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and the transfer of sentenced persons. Cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for law enforcement personnel was also explored.
President Zardari was informed that Pakistan had offered assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in advanced identity management, civil registration, secure documentation systems, and training for the Somali police force.
Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry attended the meeting. The Somali delegation included Ambassador Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan and Deputy Police Chief Osman Abdullahi.
