Islamabad: — President Asif Ali Zardari met the Minister of Interior of Somalia, Ali Yousuf, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement and witnessed the signing of an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports between Pakistan and Somalia.
The agreement was signed by Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, and Dawood Muhammad Baraech, Special Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan.
President noted that Africa is an important part of the world’s geopolitical landscape and that Pakistan seeks to strengthen its ties with African states including Somalia. Pakistan values its engagement with Somalia and supports closer collaboration in areas of shared interest.
President Zardari was informed that this visit by the Somali Interior Minister is the first bilateral official visit from Somalia to Pakistan in the past 35 years.
President emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to regional and international efforts against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking. Broader geopolitical situation and opportunities for bilateral cooperation also came under discussion.
Somali Interior Minister expressed his appreciation to the government of Pakistan, especially the Ministry of Interior, for the warm hospitality extended to him and his accompanying officials during the visit. He stated that he was in Pakistan on the invitation of the Interior Minister of Pakistan and conveyed his thanks to the President and the people of Pakistan.
Ali Yousuf also handed over a letter from the President of Somalia to President Zardari, conveying greetings and good wishes, and reaffirming the desire for deepened bilateral ties.
Somali Minister described Pakistan as a reliable partner and brother to Somalia since its independence, recalling the sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers during UN missions in Somalia in the 1990s where Pakistani personnel laid down their lives while serving under the United Nations flag.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice. Discussions included the feasibility of negotiating a bilateral extradition treaty and the legal frameworks governing extradition in each country. The possibility of initiating discussions on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of sentenced persons was also explored.
The two sides further discussed cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, including collaboration against drug trafficking and organised crime, information and intelligence sharing, as well as capacity building and training of personnel.
The President was informed that Pakistan had offered assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), in the fields of advanced identity management, civil registration and secure documentation systems as well as in providing training to Somalian police force.
Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, and Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, were also present during the meeting. Other members accompanying the Somali Minister included Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan, Ambassador of Somalia to Pakistan, and Osman Abdullahi, Deputy Police Chief.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
