Pakistan Air Force Delegation Concludes Five-Day Visit to Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Pakistan and Somalia are looking to deepen cooperation on rebuilding and developing Somalia’s Air Force following a five-day visit by a senior Pakistan Air Force delegation to Mogadishu.

The delegation returned to Islamabad after holding high-level discussions with Somali government officials and senior military commanders on strengthening the Somali Air Force and developing its institutional and professional capacity.

The talks focused on the needs of the Somali Air Force as it works to rebuild its capabilities, with both sides agreeing to maintain cooperation and support Somalia’s plans to develop the force.

The visit follows growing defence engagement between Mogadishu and Islamabad, including discussions on training, capacity building and the development of Somalia’s air and air-defence capabilities.

The Pakistani delegation’s discussions in Mogadishu also provided an opportunity for the two sides to consider how existing defence cooperation could support the longer-term development of Somalia’s air capabilities.

Somali Air Force commander Brig. Gen. Abdirisaaq Mahmoud Haji and Joint Operations Command commander Gen. Mohamed Ali Bariise saw off the delegation at Aden Adde International Airport before its departure.

The visit comes as Somalia seeks to rebuild its national armed forces and develop specialised military capabilities through cooperation with international partners.