MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, held talks with Germany’s ambassador to Somalia, Sebastian Groth, on the country’s security situation and bilateral security cooperation.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the security sector and efforts to combat piracy and other threats to Somalia’s security and public safety, the ministry said.
The two officials also discussed preparations for the planned transition involving the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the importance of Somalia assuming full responsibility for national security.
They stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and support from international partners as Somalia works to build the capacity of its own security institutions.
The discussions come as Somalia and its international partners prepare for changes in the role of the African Union mission, which supports Somali security forces in operations against armed groups and in efforts to stabilise areas recovered from militants.
The Somali government has repeatedly said that strengthening national security institutions is essential to enabling the country to take full responsibility for security as international support missions undergo a transition.
Fartaag and Groth also discussed broader cooperation on stability and combating cross-border crime, according to the ministry.
The meeting was part of efforts by Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security to expand international cooperation on security, stability and transnational crime.
No specific new agreements were announced following the talks.
