Pakistan, Somalia discuss urgent efforts to free hijacked vessel hostages

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Somalia discussed coordinated efforts to secure the release of Pakistani nationals detained after the seizure of the MT Honour 25 in waters off Somalia earlier this year, Pakistan's foreign office reported Tuesday.

In a post on X, the foreign office said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a call with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali regarding the situation.

Somali pirates captured the MT Honour 25, an oil tanker registered in Palau, on April 21, while en route from Oman to Mogadishu, Somalia.

Dar expressed serious concern over the welfare of those being held and called for their “safe return at the earliest possible stage.”

Somalia’s foreign minister assured that authorities were working to secure the release of those detained as soon as conditions allow.

Both sides agreed to remain in regular contact until the issue was resolved.

The two officials also noted improvement in relations between their countries. The Somali foreign minister also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts in regional matters.