Somalia signs financial cooperation with Turkey

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Republic of Somalia has signed a financial cooperation agreement with Turkey, in yet another indication of growing ties between the two countries, whose relationship has bolstered significantly in the last decade.

The financial cooperation agreement was signed by Somalia’s Defence Minister Abdulkadir Nur signed the pact with his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Güler Monday.

Reports from the Ministry of Defence indicate that Turkey will now provide financial assistance for military development projects as the Somali National Army aims at bridging the gaps by embracing technology and modernisation of equipment.

The development will also focus on investments in critical infrastructure which are essential for enhancing the quality of life for the Somali National Armed Forces. Somalia is pushing to expand its military capabilities as it prepares to take charge of security responsibilities.

Somalia and Turkey penned a defence pact in February which gave Ankara explicit authority to develop Mogadishu’s maritime capabilities ‘to combat illegal and irregular activities in its territorial waters.’

Later in July, the Turkish parliament approved the deployment of naval ships to Somalia’s lengthy coastline. The Naval team is accompanied by the team of maritime oil research whose vessel arrived in the country over the weekend.

The research vessel dubbed Oruc Reis shall conduct seismic studies in Somali waters, gathering data for oil and natural gas exploration over approximately six to seven months. The oil is expected to improve the country's living standards.

Turkey has made tremendous investments in Somalia’s security and development ever since President Tayyip Erdogan made the first trip to the country in 2011. Turkey has the largest overseas military training facility in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE