Pakistan and Somalia Discuss the MT Honour 25 Ship Held off the Coast of Puntland

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke with the Foreign Minister of Somalia, Abdisaalam Abdicasiis, about how to release Pakistani citizens aboard the MT Honour 25 ship, which is being held off the coast of Banderbayla in Puntland.

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisaalam Abdicasiis stated that the Somali government is committed to supporting all efforts to ensure the safety and immediate release of the hostages.

The two officials, who spoke over the phone, agreed to continue cooperation and close relations between the two governments until a resolution is reached on this matter.

A statement from the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Abdisaalam Abdicasiis, spoke on the phone with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of Pakistani citizens aboard the MT Honour 25.”

“Minister Abdisaalam stated how the Somali Government is committed to supporting all efforts to ensure the safety and immediate release of the hostages. The two ministers also agreed to continue cooperation and close relations until a resolution is reached on this matter,” it added.

Reports indicate that the pirate group holding the MT Honour 25 ship has demanded a ransom of 3 million dollars.

PUNTLAND POST