Islamabad:H.E. Shirwa Abdullahi Ibrahim, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Pakistan, called on Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, at the COMSTECH Secretariat.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ibrahim congratulated Dr. Choudhary on his reappointment as Coordinator General of COMSTECH and expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between Somalia and COMSTECH.
The two sides discussed future initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between Somalia and COMSTECH in the fields of science, technology, health, and education.
COMSTECH has already carried out several impactful programs in Somalia, including a free cataract eye surgery camp in Mogadishu last year, where 400 individuals benefited from the camp. Additionally, COMSTECH organized a specialized training course in Histopathology in Somalia, providing valuable knowledge and skills to medical professionals in the country. Many Somali students and doctors have also received COMSTECH Fellowships and are currently studying at various institutions in Pakistan and other OIC universities.
Both dignities agreed to expand their collaborative efforts with the establishment of a National Coordination Office for COMSTECH in Somalia. This office will monitor and coordinate education, science, and technology programs in the country. COMSTECH will send an officer to Somalia for three months each year, while Somalia will also deploy an official on deputation to the COMSTECH Secretariat to work on bilateral programs.
Looking ahead, COMSTECH plans to organize another eye surgery camp in Somalia in 2025, as part of its continued commitment to improving healthcare in the region. Additionally, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between universities in Pakistan and Somalia, focusing on areas such as higher education, agricultural technologies, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) training.
Dr. Choudhary expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia in its efforts to advance in science, technology, health, and education. Ambassador Ibrahim, in turn, thanked Dr. Choudhary and COMSTECH for their ongoing cooperation and support for Somalia’s development in S&T.
