Somalia, Pakistan Sign Visa Waiver Deal for Diplomats

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ISLAMABAD: Somalia and Pakistan have agreed to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, met Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad, where the two sides witnessed the signing of the agreement.

According to Somali officials, the talks also covered cooperation on law enforcement, counter-narcotics efforts, economic relations and regional security issues.

The Somali delegation briefed Pakistani leaders on Somalia’s ongoing campaign against Islamist militants and its efforts to enhance regional security coordination.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and said Islamabad was ready to deepen political and diplomatic cooperation to support peace, stability and state-building in Somalia.

Somalia has been seeking to broaden partnerships with key international allies as it works to strengthen security institutions, boost economic recovery and reinforce its diplomatic standing.