Islamabad, August 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Pakistan and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation, with a particular focus on air force modernization, professional training, and institutional capacity building, during a high-level meeting at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
According to a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press release issued on Wednesday, a high-level defence delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia, led by Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, to discuss matters of mutual interest and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence collaboration.
During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s ongoing transformation driven by technological innovation and indigenous capability development. He underscored the significant potential for cooperation in professional training, institutional development, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise between the two air forces.
The Air Chief assured the visiting delegation of the Pakistan Air Force’s full support in assisting the Somali Air Force through comprehensive training programmes, institutional development, and the sharing of operational expertise and best practices. He noted that the Memorandum of Understanding already signed between the two air forces provides a strong foundation for broadening bilateral cooperation and expanding professional exchanges.
Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and transform the existing framework of cooperation into practical collaborative initiatives that would benefit both countries.
Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi commended the professionalism and operational excellence of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed Somalia’s strong interest in deepening defence cooperation. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the Somali Air Force and sought Pakistan’s assistance in developing institutional frameworks, operational and training policies, as well as enhancing human resource capabilities through specialized training for pilots, aircrew, and technical personnel.
During their visit, the Somali delegation also toured the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre at Air Headquarters, where they received detailed briefings on the Pakistan Air Force’s integrated command and control architecture, advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and network-centric operational framework. The delegation praised the PAF’s state-of-the-art operational infrastructure and high level of operational preparedness.
The visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Somalia to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, promote institutional cooperation, and contribute to regional peace, stability, and mutual prosperity, the PAF spokesperson said.
