Tuesday October 7, 2025
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi (right), meets with Sweden’s Defence Minister, Pål Jonson, in Mogadishu on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The two officials discussed strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and Sweden’s continued support for Somalia’s security forces. SONNA
Mogadishu (HOL) — Sweden’s Defence Minister, Pål Jonson, arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at strengthening Somalia’s defence cooperation with the Kingdom of Sweden, reaffirming Stockholm’s growing engagement in Somalia’s security and stabilization efforts.
Jonson was welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by Somalia’s State Minister of Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, and Deputy Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Maday Nurey Ufurow, alongside senior Somali defence officials. His arrival marks the highest-level Swedish defence visit to Somalia in recent years.
During his visit, Jonson met with Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, capacity-building, and professional training for Somali forces.
In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said Minister Fiqi expressed gratitude for Sweden’s continued support in enhancing Somalia’s military capabilities and institutional resilience. He added that relations between the two nations are grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to promoting peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.
Minister Jonson praised the Federal Government of Somalia for its ongoing progress in improving security and recent military gains against al-Shabaab. He reiterated Sweden’s pledge to continue assisting Somalia in professionalizing its armed forces and supporting regional stability through training, advisory support, and strategic cooperation.