A high-level delegation from the Pakistan Air Force arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday for talks on rebuilding the Somali Air Force and strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The delegation was led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Commander of Air Defence and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. This visit marks a significant development in the bilateral relations between Somalia and Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegation was received by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for discussions focused on the development of the Somali Air Force and wider defence cooperation. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somali National Armed Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud and Somali Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Abdirisak Mohamud Haji. The high-level meeting underscores the importance of Somalia's defence cooperation with international partners.
Officials said the talks focused on strengthening relations between Somalia and Pakistan and advancing cooperation in rebuilding and improving the capabilities of the Somali Air Force. The Somali Air Force has faced significant challenges in recent years, and international support is crucial for its rebuilding and modernization. The discussions are expected to yield positive outcomes for Somalia's defence capabilities.
During the meeting, Hassan Sheikh praised the friendship between the two countries and emphasized the importance of defence cooperation in strengthening the Somali National Armed Forces and protecting Somalia’s security, sovereignty and unity. The Somali President's remarks highlight the significance of international partnerships in maintaining regional stability and security.
The visit follows a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2026 between Somalia and Pakistan’s defence ministries. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in counterterrorism, military training, exchange of military expertise, defence capability development and broader security cooperation. This agreement has paved the way for enhanced defence cooperation between the two nations.
The Pakistani delegation’s visit comes as Somalia seeks international support to rebuild its Air Force and improve its airspace protection and air defence capabilities. Somalia's efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities are crucial in the face of ongoing security challenges in the region. The country's defence cooperation with Pakistan is expected to contribute to regional stability.
The defence talks between Somalia and Pakistan reflect the growing cooperation between the two countries in the security domain. Key areas of cooperation include rebuilding the Somali Air Force, enhancing military training, and improving airspace protection. The outcomes of these talks are expected to have a positive impact on Somalia's security landscape.
Key points
- The Pakistani Air Force delegation's visit aims to strengthen defence cooperation and rebuild the Somali Air Force.
- The talks focused on cooperation in counterterrorism, military training, and defence capability development.
- The visit follows a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2026 between Somalia and Pakistan's defence ministries.
