Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari arrived in Mogadishu this week for a high-profile visit aimed at strengthening security collaboration between Iraq and Somalia.
The Iraqi delegation was formally received at the General Kaahiye Police Academy by Somali Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail and Police Commander Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi. The welcoming ceremony featured an exchange of medals of honor and traditional Somali gifts, symbolizing the growing bond between the two nations.
During their bilateral discussions, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in several critical areas, including police training, counterterrorism, migration management, and institutional development. Somali Security Minister Ismail emphasized that Iraq’s extensive experience in rebuilding its security forces after years of conflict offers valuable lessons for Somalia’s ongoing stabilization efforts.
Minister Al-Shammari commended the progress achieved by Somali security forces and pledged Iraq’s continued support for Somalia’s efforts to modernize its law enforcement institutions.
The visit reflects Somalia’s broader strategy to strengthen international security partnerships as the country faces persistent threats from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab. Somalia and Iraq have recently intensified their diplomatic and security ties, recognizing shared challenges in counterterrorism and state-building.
The renewed cooperation comes at a crucial time for Somalia’s military, which has been confronting fresh setbacks in its campaign against Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions.