Somalia and UK Deepen Security Partnership in High-Level Defense Talks

Goobjoog News | Mogadishu – The newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King, held high-level talks with Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, underscored growing international interest in Somalia’s security transition and defense reform as the country prepares to take full charge of its own security from African Union forces.

British support has long been instrumental in Somalia’s military training and institutional rebuilding. Discussions focused not only on counter-terrorism and defense cooperation, but also on how to recalibrate efforts in line with Somalia’s evolving security landscape and the drawdown of foreign forces.

Minister Fiqi welcomed the ambassador and lauded the UK’s ongoing contributions to Somalia’s stabilization, particularly in enhancing the professionalism of Somali forces and supporting security sector reform. He emphasized the importance of sustained, coordinated support from partners as Somalia works to extend state authority across the country.

Both parties also touched on the role of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with an eye toward ensuring continuity in peacebuilding and protection of newly liberated areas.

Ambassador King, for his part, reaffirmed the UK’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and long-term recovery, stating that Britain remains committed to helping the country tackle terrorism, rebuild its defense institutions, and foster durable peace.

The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to explore joint initiatives that strengthen Somalia’s security framework and contribute to regional stability.