By HAN News Desk
BRUSSELS — Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met on Saturday with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening diplomatic and strategic relations between the two nations.
Officials from both governments described the discussions as constructive and forward-looking, reflecting the longstanding friendship and shared aspirations that connect Somalia and Pakistan. The ministers reaffirmed what they referred to as the deep historic bonds of brotherhood rooted in decades of cultural, educational, and political cooperation.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to intensify joint efforts across a wide range of priority sectors. They emphasized the need for closer diplomatic coordination, including more frequent consultations between their foreign ministries to ensure unified positions on regional and international issues. The talks also highlighted the importance of expanding security cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, extremism, and organized crime—challenges that affect both countries.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides expressing interest in exploring new avenues to boost bilateral trade and investment. They outlined opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, textiles, manufacturing, and private-sector development. Education also remained a key focus, with Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to offering scholarships, training programs, and academic exchanges for Somali students. Additionally, the ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in healthcare, including technical assistance, medical training, and partnerships between hospitals in both nations. Strengthening institutional capacity and governance was another shared priority, with Pakistan expressing readiness to support Somalia in building stronger public institutions as part of its ongoing state-building efforts.
Somalia and Pakistan have maintained friendly relations since the early years of Somalia’s independence. Pakistan has consistently supported Somalia in international forums and has provided assistance in fields such as education, military training, and humanitarian relief. In recent years, both nations have sought to revitalize and modernize their relationship, driven by shared security concerns and growing economic interests in the Horn of Africa and South Asia.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain regular dialogue and deepen political consultation in order to translate their agreed priorities into practical action. Both ministers emphasized the importance of creating new opportunities for cooperation and strengthening their strategic partnership at regional and global levels.
Analysts note that the renewed engagement comes at a time when Somalia is expanding its diplomatic presence globally, while Pakistan is working to build stronger partnerships across the African continent as part of its broader foreign-policy vision. The talks in Brussels signal both countries’ shared intention to build a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.
