Somalia, Pakistan Sign Defence Pact to Deepen Security Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ISLAMABAD: Somalia and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in defence, counterterrorism and military capacity building, marking the latest step in Mogadishu’s efforts to broaden international security partnerships as it continues to rebuild its armed forces.

The agreement was signed by Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during Fiqi’s official visit to Islamabad, where he is leading a high-level Somali delegation.

According to officials from both countries, the MoU provides a framework for closer collaboration in counterterrorism operations, military training, defence capability development, security coordination and the exchange of military expertise.

As part of the visit, Fiqi and his delegation toured Pakistan’s Defence Industrial Production Regulatory Authority (DIPRA), where they met Director General Lieutenant General Muhammad Chiragh Haider and received briefings on the country’s defence production and regulatory systems.

The agreement reflects growing defence ties between Mogadishu and Islamabad at a time when Somalia is seeking to modernise its security institutions and expand international military cooperation beyond its traditional partners.

Somalia has stepped up efforts to strengthen its armed forces as it continues military operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group and prepares for a gradual transition following the drawdown of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Officials say improving the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces remains central to the country’s long-term security strategy.

Pakistan has long contributed to international peacekeeping operations and military training programmes and has increasingly sought to deepen defence engagement with African countries. Analysts say the agreement could pave the way for expanded cooperation in professional military education, technical assistance, defence industry engagement and institutional capacity building.

The MoU underscores Somalia’s broader strategy of diversifying defence partnerships as it seeks external support to improve military readiness, counter terrorism and strengthen national security amid evolving regional security challenges.