NEW YORK — Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi held discussions with Jürgen Stock, the Secretary General of INTERPOL, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crime.
During the dialogue, Foreign Minister Fiqi emphasized Somalia’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that would help in tackling the security challenges facing his nation. “Somalia recognizes the importance of international collaboration in our fight against terrorism and transnational crime. Strengthening our ties with INTERPOL is a step towards achieving sustainable peace and security,” Fiqi stated.
INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock praised the progress made by the Somali Police Force, highlighting their efforts in recent years to enhance law enforcement capabilities. “We have seen commendable advancements in Somalia’s approach to security. INTERPOL is committed to providing closer support and technical assistance to ensure these gains are sustained and expanded,” Stock announced, indicating a forthcoming increase in collaborative initiatives.
The discussions come at a time when Somalia continues to grapple with issues like piracy, human trafficking, and the threat of Al-Shabaab, an insurgent group with links to Al-Qaeda. The pledge for enhanced INTERPOL support signifies a crucial boost in the capacity of Somali security forces to address these multifaceted threats.
The meeting’s outcomes are expected to pave the way for more concrete cooperation, including intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that operate both within and beyond Somalia’s borders.
This engagement at the UNGA marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s international relations, showcasing its proactive stance in seeking global support to bolster its internal security framework. As Somalia navigates its path towards stability, such international backing could play a decisive role in its success against terrorism and organized crime.
