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Somalia’s Police Chief, Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi, held a key meeting in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart, Lieutenant General Saad Khalaf Badr Al-Halfi, on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in policing, training, and counter-terrorism. The meeting highlighted the growing collaboration between Somalia and Iraq as both countries work to rebuild and stabilize their security institutions after years of conflict.
During the meeting, the two police chiefs explored practical steps to enhance coordination between their forces, including joint training programs, exchange of knowledge and expertise, and cooperation in fighting organized crime and terrorism. Both sides agreed that the challenges they face — such as extremist threats and the need to modernize police capabilities — require stronger partnerships and continuous communication between their security agencies.
Brigadier General Asad was accompanied by Somalia’s Ambassador to Iraq, Ridwaan Hirsi Mohamed, and several senior officers from the Somali Police Force. Senior Iraqi police officials also attended the discussions, showing the significance both nations attach to their renewed collaboration. Lieutenant General Al-Halfi warmly welcomed the Somali delegation, commending Somalia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its security institutions and maintain peace in the face of ongoing threats.
The Iraqi police chief expressed his commitment to supporting Somalia’s law enforcement sector by offering opportunities for advanced police training in Iraq. He invited Brigadier General Asad and his team for additional discussions aimed at establishing long-term cooperation between the two nations. The Somali delegation, in turn, expressed gratitude for Iraq’s hospitality and readiness to share its experience in policing, particularly in combating terrorism and improving law enforcement standards.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening relations not just through security partnerships but also through cultural and diplomatic cooperation. Somalia and Iraq share deep historical, cultural, and religious ties, which are reinforced by their joint membership in organizations such as the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations (UN). These longstanding connections provide a strong foundation for building mutual trust and coordination in tackling shared challenges.
Officials from both countries described the meeting as a positive step toward forming a solid partnership focused on professionalism, accountability, and capacity-building within the police forces. They agreed that future collaboration should include workshops, exchange visits, and knowledge-sharing programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations in both Somalia and Iraq.
The talks also reflect Somalia’s broader efforts to expand its international security partnerships and strengthen its police force as part of national stabilization and development programs. Over the past few years, Somalia has sought to modernize its security institutions through regional and international cooperation, aiming to improve policing standards and enhance community safety.
By building stronger ties with Iraq — a country that has also faced and overcome major security challenges — Somalia hopes to benefit from Iraq’s experience in handling post-conflict recovery, police reform, and counter-terrorism operations. The meeting in Baghdad marks an important milestone in that direction, paving the way for future collaboration that could significantly boost the professionalism and capacity of both police forces.
As both nations continue to rebuild and pursue peace, the partnership between Somalia and Iraq is expected to serve as an example of how countries with similar histories of resilience can work together to promote stability, security, and shared progress.