BAGHDAD, Iraq – Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), and Iraq’s Minister of Interior, Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, have signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing public safety and strengthening institutional capacity in both nations.

The agreement, signed on 17 May 2025  during an official meeting in Baghdad, marks a renewed commitment by both governments to jointly advance peace, stability, and security sector reform.

According to a statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security, the agreement outlines joint efforts to build stronger, more capable security institutions, through exchange of expertise and strategic collaboration.

“This agreement reinforces the shared commitment to security cooperation and stability between our two brotherly nations,” the statement read.

Minister Fartaag signed the agreement as part of a high-level delegation led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is currently on an official visit to Iraq to participate in the 34th Arab League Summit.

The agreement follows a pledge made in January 2025, during an earlier visit by Minister Fartaag to Baghdad, where both sides expressed their intention to formalize their cooperation through a comprehensive security partnership.