The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice
President Zardari addresses the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 4, 2025 Photo: Radio Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday met Somalia’s Interior Minister Ali Yousuf and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement.
He also witnessed the signing of an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports between Pakistan and Somalia, the media wing of the President’s Secretariat said in a press release.
The agreement was signed by Hamza Adan Haadoow, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, and Dawood Muhammad Baraech, special secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan.
The President highlighted that Africa was an important part of the global geopolitical landscape and Pakistan was seeking to strengthen its ties with African states, including Somalia.
“Pakistan values its engagement with Somalia and supports closer collaboration in areas of common interest,” he added.
President Zardari was informed that this visit of the Somali Interior Minister was the first bilateral official visit from Somalia to Pakistan in the last 35 years.
The President stressed that Pakistan remains committed to regional and international efforts against transnational crime and drug trafficking.
The broader geopolitical situation and opportunities for bilateral cooperation were also discussed.
The Somali Interior Minister expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, particularly the Ministry of Interior, for the warm hospitality extended to him and the officials accompanying him during the visit.
He said he was in Pakistan at the invitation of the Interior Minister of Pakistan and conveyed his thanks to the President and people of Pakistan.
Ali Yousuf also delivered a letter from the Somali President to President Zardari, conveying his greetings and good wishes, and reaffirming the desire to deepen bilateral relations.
The Somali minister described Pakistan as a reliable partner and brother of Somalia since its independence, recalling the sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers during the UN missions in Somalia in the 1990s, during which Pakistani personnel sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice.
