MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation during a high-level meeting held on May 7, 2025, in Mogadishu. The Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, welcomed Harriet Mathews, the UK Director-General for Africa, and British Ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis, to discuss deepening military collaboration between the two nations.

Discussions during the meeting focused on bolstering joint operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, supporting the ongoing transition of the African Union-led AUSSOM mission, and enhancing the operational capacity of the Somali National Army (SNA).

According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Defense, both parties emphasized the critical need for continued partnership and strategic coordination to reinforce Somalia’s national security institutions and to achieve sustainable peace and stability.

Minister Fiqi expressed sincere appreciation for the United Kingdom’s longstanding and consistent support. “This partnership is pivotal in our shared fight against terrorism,” he said in a message shared on his official X account.

The British delegation reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to assist Somalia in its counterterrorism initiatives, capacity building for the armed forces, and broader defense sector reform.

The meeting took place as Somalia continues its military campaign against ISIS and Alshabaab groups and seeks increased international support for the AUSSOM mission, the cornerstone of Somalia’s evolving national security framework.