Islamabad, 10 November 2021 (TDI): Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Khadija Mohamed Al Makhzoumi paid a visit to Pakistan Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday, 9 November.
According to a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press statement, both dignitaries discussed subjects of professional and mutual interest during the meeting.
Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al Makhzoumi praised PAF’s professionalism and highlighted the country’s growing indigenous aviation potential.
Pakistan and Somalia, according to the Air Chief, share religious beliefs and cultural ties.
The Air Chief emphasised that the two countries have friendly relations and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthen them. In addition, the Pakistan Air Force has promised to give military training to the Somali Air Force in the year 2020.
Earlier, Ambassador khadija held a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. The meeting took place on 18 October at Naval Headquarters Islamabad.
During the meeting, both officials discussed matters of mutual interest. They also deliberated over the regional security dynamics. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Somalia.
Pakistan and Somalia have friendly diplomatic ties based on mutual trust and support. In 1960, the two countries established formal diplomatic relations. Somalia established its embassy in Islamabad in 1976. In addition, both countries are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Furthermore, during the Somali Civil War in the 1990s, Pakistan’s military participated in peacekeeping missions in Somalia.
In 2018, Pakistan and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral ties.
