The Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Turkey have signed a landmark agreement on defense and economy, which was approved by the Somali Council of Ministers on Wednesday.
The agreement, which was signed by the defense ministers of the two countries on February 8, aims to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership between Somalia and Turkey, especially in the areas of maritime security and blue economy.
According to the agreement, Turkey will provide training and equipment to the Somali navy, which will enable Somalia to protect its marine resources and territorial waters from threats such as terrorism, piracy, and foreign interference.
The agreement will also boost the economic development and trade relations between the two countries, as Turkey will assist Somalia in tapping into its vast potential of fisheries, tourism, and energy.
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, who chaired the cabinet meeting that approved the agreement, hailed it as a historic achievement for the country and thanked Turkey for its unwavering support and friendship.
“Today is a historic day for the country, the council of ministers have voted on an important agreement that will be remembered in the history of Somalia,” he said. “This agreement will put an end to Somalia being without an ally and without a big brother. Somalia will have a true ally, a friend and a brother at the international arena.”
He also recalled the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Somalia in 2011, which he said was a turning point for Somalia’s recovery from drought and political instability.
“Turkey has been there for us again and again, starting from the time when Somalia was battling its worst drought in 2011 and Turkey stood by us with the president of Turkey personally coming to Somalia along with his wife and Turkish business people,” he said. “His visit expedited Somalia moving out of transitional state and officially being recognized as a central government. And today, when our country is facing multiple threats to our resources, they again once more extended a brotherly hand and offered to empower our navy to counter any threat to our marine resources.”
The agreement was welcomed by the Somali public and the international community, who praised it as a positive step for the peace and stability of the region.
Somalia and Turkey have enjoyed close and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1960. Turkey is one of the largest donors and investors in Somalia, and has contributed to various sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid.
