Thursday March 7, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - A High-level Turkish government delegation, including Navy and Land Forces commanders and officials from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
Defense Minister Abduqadir Mohamed Noor and Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, the Commander of the Somali National Army, received the Ankara delegation at the Somali National Army's headquarters.
The Ankara delegation’s visit to Mogadishu was reportedly related to the rebuilding and equipping of the Somali military forces, as well as strengthening the recent defense and economic cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey.
“This pact aims to enhance the development and equipping of the Somali military forces. The Turkish delegation’s visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in defense and economic sectors.
“The collaboration is expected to pave the way for significant advancements in the capabilities of the Somali military, contributing to stability and peace in the region,” the government’s television reported.
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Turkey will provide maritime security support to Somalia to help the African country defend its territorial waters, stated an official from the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The relationship between Somalia and Turkey has strengthened since a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2011.