Somalia, Yemen Agree to Boost Maritime Security Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | CAIRO: Somalia and Yemen have pledged to deepen defence cooperation and tighten security along key maritime routes during high-level talks between their defence ministers in Cairo on Thursday.

Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Yemeni Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Ahmed Al-Daari discussed coordinated efforts to curb illegal arms flows and other security threats affecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, waterways that have become increasingly vulnerable to regional instability.

The meeting, attended by Somali National Armed Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rage and senior officers from both sides, focused on joint mechanisms to disrupt weapons smuggling networks used by terrorist groups.

Both ministers underscored the need for a unified strategy to monitor and secure maritime corridors that connect their two countries, stressing that controlling illicit movement is essential not only for regional stability but also for global shipping safety.

Fiqi said the engagement reflects Somalia’s broader commitment to strengthening regional partnerships as part of its counterterrorism and border-security agenda.