Iraqi Interior Minister visits Mogadishu as Somalia seeks closer security ties

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday held talks with Iraq’s Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, who arrived in Mogadishu for an official visit aimed at boosting security and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, focused on strengthening ties in security, military training, and the exchange of expertise, according to local sources.

Somalia’s Office of the Prime Minister described the visit as “a vital step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Iraq,” adding that discussions “centred on building partnerships in security, migration, education, and the training of Somali forces.”

Prime Minister Hamza welcomed the Iraqi delegation, calling the visit a “positive signal of deepening fraternal relations.” The Iraqi minister, for his part, pledged Baghdad’s continued support to Somalia, particularly in security and capacity-building sectors.

The visit comes as Somalia attempts to broaden its security partnerships beyond traditional allies, at a time when African Union forces are gradually drawing down and Somali forces face pressure to assume full responsibility for national security.