Somalia, South Korea Discuss Expanding Security Cooperation with Focus on Maritime Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU:Somalia and South Korea have held talks on expanding cooperation in maritime security, policing and capacity building, reflecting growing engagement between the two countries as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen its security institutions.

Somalia’s Interior Security Minister, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), met South Korea’s ambassador to Somalia, Kang Hyung-shik, in Mogadishu to discuss closer collaboration in tackling maritime security challenges and strengthening Somalia’s law enforcement agencies.

Deputy Interior Security Minister Sulub Ahmed Firin and the ministry’s Director General Mohamed Shire also attended the meeting.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Interior Security, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime security, combating piracy and improving the capabilities of the Somali Police Force, Coast Guard and Navy. The two sides also explored opportunities for technical assistance, training programmes and the exchange of expertise.

Fartaag thanked South Korea for its continued support to Somalia, saying stronger cooperation would contribute to improving security, stability and institutional development.

Somalia has stepped up efforts to rebuild its security institutions while broadening partnerships beyond its traditional allies. In recent months, the federal government has intensified defence and security cooperation with countries including Turkey, Egypt and several Gulf and African states, while also seeking greater international support to enhance maritime security along its 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) coastline.

South Korea has steadily expanded its engagement in Somalia through development assistance, humanitarian support and maritime security initiatives. Seoul has also maintained an interest in safeguarding international shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean, areas that are vital to global trade and were once among the world’s piracy hotspots.

The latest discussions underscore Somalia’s efforts to attract broader international partnerships as it seeks to strengthen its security forces, improve maritime governance and address transnational threats, including piracy, illegal fishing and organised crime in its territorial waters.