Somalia president Hassan Sheikh leaves for Turkey for his second foreign trip

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday left for Turkey on his second foreign trip, where he's expected to champion the bilateral relationship between Ankara and Mogadishu.

Authorities in Turkey announced that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will be in the country from July 3rd to July 5th. This is the second trip out of the country have visited the United Arab Emirates [UAE] a fortnight ago.

According to authorities in Turkey, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will be holding bilateral ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey has been working closely with Somalia for the last decade.

“The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international developments,” the statement, read, further adding that delegations from either side will attend meetings that will be held in the presidential palace.

For the last decade, Turkey has been working closely with Somalia especially on the improvement of the bilateral relationships, putting the security sector as one of the areas of interest. Ankara has been supporting the training of elite Gorgor troops and Haramacad police officers.

Throughout the tenure of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, Turkey was always under pressure to tame the alleged misuse of Gorgor and Haramacad police officers. The officers were accused of targeting opponents and intimidating civil society.

The country has also been supporting the construction and rebuilding of various departments in Somalia. Most Turkish engineers are responsible for the construction of various roads, even bearing the brunt of Al-Shabaab attacks.

Al-Shabaab, which is dominant in rural central and Southern Somalia, has always been targeting foreigners who are busy helping the reconstruction of the country. Turkey also has an army training center in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE