Somalia: Turkish deputy PM arrives in the capital Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Turkey's deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak has arrived to the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday to highlight the need for greater famine relief, Garowe Online reports.

The visiting Turkish delegation was warmly welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by Somalia's deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohamed Guled, Foreign Minister Yusuf Garad and other high-raking government officials.

Subsequently, the Turkish officials were escorted to the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu to meet Somali leaders and discuss ways to enhance the bilateral relations and take part in the relief programs to avert looming famine crisis in the country.

According to reports, Kaynak is expected to hand over trucks and construction equipment to the governor of Benadir regional administration Yusuf Hussein Jimale to boost efforts to rebuild the capital. 

Turkish deputy PM's visit comes before expected state visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan to Somalia in April to cut the ribbon of a new military training base built by Turkey, which will be used to train troops from Somalia and other African countries by Turkish army

The newly established $50-Million base occupies 400 hectares and house three military schools, dormitories and depots.

This is considered the second Turkish overseas military base aimed to assist Somalia’s security forces in their fight against Al Qaida-affiliated Al Shabaab militant group in the country.

GAROWEONLINE