Turkish military in Mogadishu for meeting with SNA chiefs

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Turkey has dispatched a high-level military delegation to Mogadishu, with the team now expected to hold a series of meetings with the Somali National Army (SNA), as the country fights terrorism.

The delegation was received by Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, the Minister of Defence, and Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhydin, the Somalia army chief, at the Army headquarters in the capital, Mogadishu.

Ankara is keen to build and equip the Somali National Army, as part of cooperation and partnership to fight the al-Shabaab militants. Turkey has been supporting Somalia for the last decade ranging from development and strengthening the security teams.

“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 the 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.

Turkey has pledged to support Somalia protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity following attempts by Ethiopia to grab parts of the country. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud got the assurances when he visited Turkey last week.

Ethiopia had signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which would see the country getting 20 kilometers of Red Sea within Somalia. In return, Ethiopia has pledged to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE