Saturday 24, Jan 2026 {HMC} Somalia and Pakistan have signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports to enhance diplomatic engagement and strengthen political cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during a meeting in Pakistan attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yousuf, underscoring renewed momentum in bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s Special Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, Dawood Muhammad Baraech, signed the agreement on behalf of Islamabad. Somalia was represented by Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Somalia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Sheikh Nur Mohamed Hassan, was also present at the signing ceremony.
Under the agreement, diplomats from both countries holding official diplomatic passports will be exempt from visa requirements when traveling between Somalia and Pakistan, a step officials say will facilitate smoother high-level exchanges and closer institutional cooperation.
During the meeting, Minister Yousuf delivered a message from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirming Mogadishu’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation with Pakistan.
Somalia expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality and longstanding support, describing the agreement as part of broader efforts to strengthen relations through sustained high-level engagement in areas of shared interest.
Pakistan and Somalia have historically maintained cordial relations, with cooperation spanning education, security and diplomatic training. Officials from both sides said the visa waiver agreement is expected to further institutionalize those ties and encourage more regular diplomatic interaction.
