Wednesday February 21, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's Council of Ministers approved the recent agreement between Turkey and Somalia on defense and economic cooperation on Wednesday, as President Mohamud is expected to address the parliament today regarding the agreement and the diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, who chaired the extraordinary meeting of the Council in Mogadishu, described the agreement as historic for the Somali nation and emphasized its importance for the country and its people.
"This agreement marks a new path for Somalia that was previously inaccessible. It establishes Somalia as a true friend and removes obstacles," Barre stated after the meeting.
Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the agreement would address concerns related to terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, pollution, abuse, and external threats.
"This agreement will facilitate the Navy's development, training, and equipping for maritime defence. It will also enhance our maritime economy," Prime Minister Hamsa added.
He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Turkey for their support during critical times in Somalia's history, particularly in the face of recent violations of the country's sovereignty.
Earlier this month, the defence ministers of Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement in Ankara aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.
Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who signed the agreement with his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, emphasized Somalia's significance as a partner for Turkey in Africa.
"We had a fruitful meeting with my counterpart. In our discussions, which were held in a warm atmosphere and further solidified our relations, we reiterated our commitment to Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Guler remarked after the meeting.
"We had a productive meeting with my counterpart. In our discussions, which took place in a very warm atmosphere and further strengthened our relations, we reiterated the importance we attach to Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Guler said after the meeting.
Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated after landlocked Ethiopia reached a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on January 1 that gives it access to the sea.
The Somali government vehemently rejected the MoU, saying that the pact had no legal validity and would endanger regional stability. Somalia said there was no room for mediation in a dispute with Ethiopia unless Addis Ababa cancelled a controversial deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.