Pakistan to help Somalia with National ID system

[Deeq A.]

Islamabad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 23rd May, 2018) : Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi witnessed the signing of an agreement between pakistan and Somalia for grant of US$ 10.5 million and provision of technical assistance for development of Somalia’s National Identification System.

Held at the Prime Minister Office here on Wednesday, the agreement signing ceremony was attended by Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Dr. Musadiq Malik, Secretaries of Finance and Interior Divisions, Chairman NADRA and senior officials.

The Somali side included Minister of State for Interior Abdullahi Farah Wehliye, Dr. Nur Derie Hersi, Head of ID project, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi and their senior officials. As part of the initiative, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will develop and supply technology, software and equipment to enable the Government of Somalia to have a state-of-the-art national data and citizen registration system.
The ‘knowledge and technology’ transfer will also help Somalia in Border Management and Elections Management system.

The Somali State Minister for Interior Abdullahi Farah Wehliye thanked the Government of Pakistan for its assistance in development of National ID System of Somalia.

Underscoring Pakistan-Somalia friendly relations, the State Minister said that opening of Pakistan’s Embassy in Mogadishu would further strengthen the friendly relations of the two countries. Minister for Finance Dr.

Miftah Ismail reciprocated the warm sentiments of the Somalian Minister and said that Pakistan valued its ties with the Government and people of Somalia. A statement from the PM Office termed the signing of the NADRA contract a great significance and said it would help in further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The project complements the Government’s “Look Africa” policy for enhanced engagement with the African continent, the statement said.