Saturday Nov, 23, 2024 {HMC} Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur met in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss strengthening military and security collaboration between their nations.
The meeting at the Presidential Complex centered on enhancing joint efforts in defense and counterterrorism, addressing regional security challenges, including Somalia’s ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. Both leaders explored opportunities to expand trade, energy, and humanitarian aid cooperation.
“We are pleased to see our strategic partnership with Somalia continue to grow across all fields,” Yilmaz stated on X, formerly Twitter. “Turkiye will maintain its dedicated efforts to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the Somali people through all our institutions.”
Minister Nur expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s steadfast assistance, particularly in the security sector.
Beyond defense, the discussions highlighted Turkiye’s contributions to Somalia’s infrastructure, healthcare, and humanitarian sectors. The leaders reviewed ongoing joint projects aimed at stabilizing the country and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Yilmaz also addressed regional developments, commending Somaliland’s recent peaceful elections. “We hope the elections bring peace, stability, and prosperity to all Somali people, including those in Somaliland,” he added.
Turkiye has been a key ally of Somalia since 2011, when then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a historic visit to Mogadishu during a severe famine. Since then, Turkiye has established itself as a key partner in Somalia’s recovery, investing heavily in infrastructure, education, and defense. The opening of a military training academy and Turkey’s largest overseas embassy in Mogadishu stands out as a major milestone in this partnership.
Source Hiiraan Online
