The Somali diaspora in Sweden and the United States has expressed its support for the defense and economic cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey, which was approved by the Somali parliament on wednesday.
The agreement, which will last for 10 years, aims to enhance the security and development of Somalia, especially in the maritime domain. Turkey will help Somalia build, train and equip its navy, as well as tap into its marine resources.
The Somali community living in Sweden welcomed the agreement and congratulated the Somali government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for taking this historic step. The chairman of the community, Mohamed Hamdi Sheikh Ahmed, said they stand by the agreement and the defense of their country’s sea and land.
Similarly, the Somali community living in the United States, especially in Minnesota, praised the agreement and the Somali leaders for their vision and courage. One of the Somali women living in Minnesota said the agreement affects every Somali person in the world and makes them happy and proud.
Farhiya Khalif, the representative of Galmudug in North America, also expressed her happiness and appreciation for the agreement and the president’s action in the field of maritime defense.
The agreement comes amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a deal that grants Ethiopia access to ports along Somaliland’s coast, in exchange for recognition of its independence. Somalia considers Somaliland as part of its territory and sees the deal as a violation of its sovereignty.
President Mohamud said the agreement with Turkey is not aimed against Ethiopia or any other country, but to support Somalia in defending its own country.
Turkey has been a close ally and partner of Somalia, providing humanitarian assistance, budgetary support and training of security forces. Turkey also has a large military base and runs the airport in Mogadishu.
