AMMAN – Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi held talks with Jordan’s top military leadership in Amman on Wednesday, as the two countries moved to strengthen defense cooperation amid growing regional security challenges.
Fiqi met with Jordan’s Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Al-Hunaiti, during an official visit focused on expanding military ties, improving coordination, and sharing expertise between the armed forces of the two countries.
According to a statement from Jordan’s armed forces, the discussions covered regional and international security developments, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation in military training, exchange of experience, and the development of Somalia’s defense capabilities.
Jordan’s military chief said cooperation between the two countries could contribute to strengthening security and stability in the region, particularly at a time when several countries are facing complex security threats, including terrorism, political instability, and regional tensions.
Somalia has been rebuilding its security institutions after decades of conflict and continues to rely on international partnerships to strengthen its armed forces and improve its ability to confront militant groups, including Al-Shabaab, which remains a major security challenge in the country.
During the meeting, Fiqi praised the professionalism and experience of the Jordanian armed forces, highlighting Jordan’s long history of military training and institutional development. He said Somalia was interested in benefiting from Jordan’s expertise in areas including officer training, military education, and improving operational capabilities.
“Jordan has valuable experience in building effective military institutions, and Somalia seeks to strengthen cooperation in areas that support the development and modernization of its armed forces,” officials said.
The visit comes as Somalia works to increase the capacity of its national security forces and prepare them to take greater responsibility for maintaining security following changes in the role of international peacekeeping and security support missions in the country.
Jordan, a close Western ally in the Middle East, has long maintained a professional military structure and has provided training and support to forces from several countries. Its military cooperation programs have included counterterrorism training, peacekeeping preparation, and professional development.
The talks concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening defense relations and expanding future cooperation between the Somali and Jordanian armed forces.
During his visit to the headquarters of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Defense Minister Fiqi also signed the official guest book, marking the importance of the high-level military engagement.
