By HAN News Desk
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has pledged continued political and security support for Somalia following high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and a Somali delegation led by Interior Minister Ali Hoosh, officials said.
The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and institutional capacity-building between the two countries.
The Somali delegation included Deputy Police Commissioner Brigadier General Osman Abdullahi Mohamed and other senior officials, according to a statement released by the Somali government.
During the talks, the two sides reviewed Somalia’s ongoing military and security operations against the al-Shabab militant group, which has waged a prolonged insurgency against the Somali state. Somali officials briefed the Pakistani leadership on recent gains made by Somali security forces and their allies, as well as ongoing challenges in stabilizing liberated areas.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s “principled and consistent position” in support of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity. He emphasized Islamabad’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mogadishu, particularly in areas related to counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, police training and security sector reform.
Pakistani officials also expressed interest in supporting Somalia’s broader state-building efforts, including strengthening public institutions and enhancing regional and international cooperation to promote long-term peace and stability.
Interior Minister Hoosh welcomed Pakistan’s continued backing, describing the talks as a significant step toward reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries. He praised Pakistan’s experience in counter-terrorism and internal security, noting that such expertise could be valuable in supporting Somalia’s efforts to defeat extremist groups and consolidate state authority.
Somalia and Pakistan have maintained friendly relations for decades, with cooperation spanning diplomacy, education and security. The latest talks reflect Mogadishu’s broader push to strengthen international partnerships as it intensifies efforts to combat militancy and rebuild national institutions.
