Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Foreign Ministers of Somalia and Pakistan held high-level talks in Saudi Arabia this week, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors including politics, security, economy, health, and education. The meeting also highlighted Pakistan’s support for Somalia’s ongoing state-building process and the need for strategic defense partnerships.
During the discussions, Somalia underscored its urgent priority of developing a national naval force to safeguard its maritime resources and territorial waters. With the longest coastline in Africa—stretching over 3,300 kilometers along the Indian Ocean—Somalia views maritime security as central to its national sovereignty, economic growth, and counter-piracy strategy.
Pakistan, which has longstanding defense expertise and historical ties with Somalia, expressed readiness to assist in training, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer, particularly in maritime defense and professional military development.
Somalia is still recovering from decades of civil war, fragile governance, and persistent threats from militant groups such as Al-Shabaab. The country’s coastal waters, once plagued by piracy, remain vulnerable to illegal fishing, smuggling, and trafficking, making maritime security a top priority for Mogadishu. Strengthening naval capacity is also crucial for protecting Somalia’s growing blue economy potential, including fisheries and offshore resources.
Pakistan has been expanding its diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa under its Engage Africa Policy, which emphasizes trade, defense cooperation, and educational partnerships. For Somalia, ties with Pakistan provide both a gateway to Asian markets and a source of technical and military expertise.
The talks reflect Somalia’s push for broader international partnerships beyond traditional Western and Gulf allies, while also showcasing Pakistan’s ambition to play a larger role in African affairs. For both nations, cooperation in maritime security and institutional development aligns with mutual interests in counterterrorism and regional stability.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia underscores the growing strategic alignment between Somalia and Pakistan. By prioritizing defense, education, and economic ties, the two countries aim to translate diplomatic goodwill into concrete projects that strengthen Somalia’s resilience and enhance Pakistan’s presence in the Horn of Africa. Whether these commitments will evolve into sustained, on-the-ground programs—particularly in naval development—will be a key test of the partnership’s depth in the coming years.
