Pakistan, Somalia Sign Visa-Free Agreement for Diplomatic Passport Holders
Islamabad: Pakistan and Somalia signed a bilateral agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing ceremony in Islamabad, underscoring the importance Islamabad attaches to deepening relations with African states, particularly Somalia.
During a meeting with Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yousuf, President Zardari said Pakistan is keen to expand its diplomatic and strategic ties across Africa and places high value on its relationship with Somalia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to closer cooperation in areas of shared interest and mutual benefit.
The president also stressed that Pakistan remains fully committed to regional and international efforts to combat transnational crime and narcotics trafficking, describing these challenges as collective threats requiring coordinated global responses.
Somali Interior Minister Ali Yousuf described Pakistan as a reliable partner and a brotherly nation to Somalia since its independence. He recalled the sacrifices of Pakistani peacekeepers during United Nations missions in Somalia in the 1990s, paying tribute to Pakistani personnel who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag in the cause of peace and stability.
