Nadeem Faisal Baiga
Islamabad: Pakistan and Somalia on Thursday took a major step toward revitalizing bilateral relations as President Asif Ali Zardari met Somalia’s Minister of Interior Mr. Ali Yousuf at Aiwan-e-Sadar, marking the first official bilateral visit from Somalia to Pakistan in 35 years.
The high-level meeting culminated in the signing of a landmark agreement abolishing visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, aimed at facilitating direct diplomatic engagement and strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries.
President Zardari warmly welcomed the Somali delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening relations with Somalia and the African continent. Highlighting Africa’s growing geopolitical importance, he emphasized Pakistan’s desire to build partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and long-term cooperation.
The visa-waiver agreement was signed by Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Dawood Muhammad Baraech, Special Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.
A significant portion of the talks focused on security and legal cooperation, with both sides exploring the possibility of negotiating a bilateral extradition treaty, initiating discussions on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and arrangements for the transfer of sentenced persons. The delegations also discussed enhanced collaboration against drug trafficking and organized crime, including intelligence sharing, capacity building, and specialized training for law enforcement personnel.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional and international efforts to combat transnational crime and narcotics trafficking.
Minister Ali Yousuf conveyed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and delivered a letter from the President of Somalia, expressing goodwill and a desire to further strengthen bilateral relations. He praised Pakistan as a “reliable partner and brother” and recalled the sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers during United Nations missions in Somalia in the 1990s.
Pakistan also offered technical cooperation through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), including support in identity management systems, civil registration, secure documentation, and specialized training for the Somali police.
The meeting was attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, while the Somali delegation included Ambassador Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan and Deputy Police Chief Osman Abdullahi, underscoring the importance both nations attach to the renewed partnership.
