Somalia discusses defense and security partnership with Turkey

Hulusi Akar welcomed Hassan Hussein Haji at Turkey’s National Defense Ministry in the capital Ankara [Photo: Anadolu]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Turkey has discussed a defense partnership with Somalia, in what comes amid the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who have been causing havoc in the Horn of Africa nation, which is struggling with instability.

The two countries have been having a mutual relationship, with Turkey playing an indispensable role in Somalia's development. Ankara is both major security and financial partner of Somalia but at times, its contributions have been controversial.

On Friday, the defense ministers of Turkey and Somalia discussed bilateral and regional issues in a meeting, in what could boost the fortunes of Mogadishu, which is fighting Al-Shabaab, an outfit that wants to take over the country.

Hulusi Akar welcomed Hassan Hussein Haji at Turkey’s National Defense Ministry in the capital Ankara, where they discussed security issues. In fact, this comes after Gorgor and Haramcad police officers graduated before coming to Somalia.

The ministers first held a one-on-one meeting before chairing talks between their delegations. They discussed ways of cooperation in the security and defense industry, the ministry said in a statement.

According to state media, Akar said Turkey and Somalia are developing friendly and brotherly relations in all fields, including the political and military sphere. Turkey has been training military and police officers in Somalia.

Turkey will continue to provide all kinds of support to the Somali people to ensure that they live in a peaceful and safe environment, he added. This will be a major boost to Somalia, as it continues with preparations of Lower House elections and later, presidential polls.

GAROWE ONLINE