Baghdad, Iraq – The Somali Police Commissioner, General Asad Osman Abdullahi, held a high-level meeting with Iraq’s Interior Minister, Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, in Baghdad to explore ways of strengthening security cooperation and sharing expertise in counterterrorism and policing.
The talks, held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and solidarity, centered on developing joint strategies aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and improving regional stability. Both officials acknowledged that Somalia and Iraq, though geographically distant, share a common struggle against terrorism and violent extremism—threats that have long undermined peace and development in their respective nations.
Gen. Asad emphasized Somalia’s determination to learn from Iraq’s experience in combating insurgent networks and rebuilding national security institutions after years of conflict. He noted that Iraq’s successful reintegration of former combatants and its advancements in intelligence-led policing could provide valuable lessons for Somalia’s ongoing stabilization efforts.
Al-Shammari, on his part, commended Somalia’s progress in reclaiming territory from extremist groups and reaffirmed Iraq’s readiness to offer technical assistance, training opportunities, and intelligence-sharing frameworks to support Somali law enforcement.
The meeting marks a growing effort by Somalia to broaden its international partnerships in security and policing. As both countries continue to face the remnants of terrorism, their collaboration signals a shared belief that regional peace depends on cooperation, resilience, and the exchange of hard-won knowledge.