Pakistan and Somalia have signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports. The move marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations. The agreement was signed in Islamabad during a high-level official engagement.
Senior officials from both countries formalised the arrangement at the Presidency. The decision aims to facilitate smoother diplomatic interaction and closer institutional cooperation.
President Zardari Witnesses Signing Ceremony
President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing of the agreement. The document was signed by senior representatives from both governments. Officials from Pakistan’s interior ministry and Somalia’s foreign affairs ministry completed the process.
Following the ceremony, President Zardari met Somalia’s Interior Minister Ali Yousuf. During the meeting, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding ties with Somalia. He highlighted Africa’s growing geopolitical importance and Pakistan’s interest in deeper engagement.
First Somali Bilateral Visit in Decades
Officials informed the president that the visit marked Somalia’s first official bilateral visit to Pakistan in 35 years. This development added symbolic weight to the agreement. Both sides viewed the visit as a turning point in diplomatic relations.
President Zardari stressed Pakistan’s support for closer cooperation in areas of shared interest. He underlined the importance of dialogue amid changing regional and global dynamics.
Focus on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice. Talks included the possibility of negotiating a bilateral extradition treaty. Legal frameworks governing extradition in both countries were reviewed.
Additionally, officials explored mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Discussions also covered the transfer of sentenced persons. These measures aim to improve cross-border legal coordination.
Cooperation Against Crime and Narcotics
The two countries exchanged views on counter-narcotics cooperation. They discussed collaboration against drug trafficking and organised crime. Information sharing and intelligence coordination featured prominently.
Capacity building and training opportunities were also reviewed. Pakistan offered technical assistance in identity management and civil registration systems. Support through advanced documentation and training for Somali police was discussed.
Somalia Praises Pakistan’s Historic Support
Somalia’s interior minister thanked Pakistan for its hospitality. He conveyed appreciation to the Pakistani leadership and people. He described Pakistan as a reliable and brotherly partner since Somalia’s independence.
He recalled the sacrifices of Pakistani peacekeepers during United Nations missions in Somalia during the 1990s. He acknowledged their role in supporting peace and stability.
The Somali minister also delivered a message from Somalia’s president. The letter conveyed goodwill and reaffirmed the desire to deepen bilateral ties.
Senior Officials Attend High-Level Meeting
Pakistan’s interior leadership attended the meeting. Members of the Somali delegation were also present, including diplomatic and police officials. The engagement reflected a renewed diplomatic momentum between the two states.
