Somali PM meets Pakistan Air Force delegation on defence cooperation

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met Tuesday in Mogadishu with a high-level Pakistan Air Force delegation for talks on strengthening defence cooperation and rebuilding the Somali Air Force.

The delegation was led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Commander of Air Defence and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan, particularly in developing the Somali Air Force, improving its capabilities and training its personnel.

The Somali government emphasized the importance of building, training and equipping its armed forces as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security and defence institutions, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Hamza thanked the Pakistani delegation for its visit to Mogadishu, saying it reflected the growing relationship between the two countries, especially in the defence sector.

The delegation also met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud a day earlier for discussions on the development of the Somali Air Force and wider defence cooperation.

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.

The meeting comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its security and defence institutions, including its air force capabilities, while government forces and allied troops continue operations against al-Shabab.