BELGRADE, Serbia – Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, currently on a working visit to Serbia, has toured Vlatacom, an Institute for Research Studies in Global Security, Politics, Economics, and Technology, in the capital, Belgrade.
Minister Fartaag held talks with Vladimir Cizelj, head of Vlatacom, discussing ways to strengthen their collaboration. After the meeting, Cizelj took him on a tour of the institute, showcasing its operations and partnerships with over 96 countries.
Vlatacom also presented key opportunities that could support Somalia’s state-building efforts. Minister Fartaag was also shown ongoing projects and provided with documents that highlight areas where Somalia’s needs align with Vlatacom’s expertise.
On Thursday, Fartaag concluded a months-long training program for over 30 officers, both male and female, from the Somali Police Force. The training, provided by the Serbian government and facilitated by Somalia’s embassy in Belgrade, offered them a valuable professional development opportunity.
In his speech to the graduates, he urged them to share what they had learned with their colleagues when they returned home, noting that their newfound skills would help combat crime back in Somalia.
“This opportunity highlights the tangible progress the Somali Police Force is making,” he said. “It has also helped enhance your skills in preventing crimes, tackling organized crime, and maintaining law and order,” he added.
Fartaag also expressed his gratitude for the important role played by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomats at the Somali Embassy in Belgrade, led by Ambassador Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed.
Somalia and Serbia share a strong and longstanding relationship, based on mutual respect and continuous collaboration. They support each other on issues related to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, grounded in international law and the diplomatic understanding both nations reached in 1960.
