A high-level delegation from the Turkish government, comprising Navy and Land Forces commanders, alongside officials from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, touched down in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
At the headquarters of the Somali National Army, Defense Minister Abduqadir Mohamed Noor and Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, the Commander of the Somali National Army, warmly welcomed the Ankara delegation.
The purpose of the Ankara delegation’s visit to Mogadishu is said to be focused on the reconstruction and outfitting efforts of the Somali military forces, as well as fortifying the recent defense and economic cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey.
“This agreement aims to bolster the development and outfitting of the Somali military forces. The visit by the Turkish delegation underscores the strengthening bonds between the two nations, particularly in defense and economic domains,” as reported by the government’s television.
The collaboration is anticipated to lead to significant advancements in the capabilities of the Somali military, thereby fostering stability and peace in the region, according to the government’s television report.
As outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Turkey is committed to providing maritime security assistance to Somalia to aid the African country in defending its territorial waters, as confirmed by an official from the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The relationship between Somalia and Turkey has notably strengthened since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit in 2011.
