Turkish intelligence chief Kalin holds talks with Somali President Mohamud

On Tuesday, Ibrahim Kalin, the head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.

The Somali presidency’s statement outlined their discussions, which focused on enhancing strategic cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia in critical areas such as security, intelligence, collaborative counterterrorism initiatives, and the advancement of regional stability.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Deepening Türkiye-Somalia relations

The relationship between Türkiye and Somalia has evolved significantly since Türkiye stepped up its engagement in 2011. What initially began as a humanitarian partnership has grown into a strategic alliance that encompasses economic, infrastructural, and military support.

Turkish nongovernmental organizations and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) have actively participated in development and relief efforts across Africa, including Somalia. Additionally, major Turkish brands like Turkish Airlines launched fundraising campaigns to support Somalia.

Türkiye’s efforts to reintegrate Somalia into the international community bore fruit in 2014 with the reopening of Mogadishu’s port and airport, both managed by Turkish companies. This move contributed to an improvement in Somalia’s economic conditions compared to the previous decade.

The establishment of a military base in Mogadishu in 2017 further solidified Türkiye’s commitment to Somalia’s security and development. The base focuses on training the Gorgor Brigades, an elite unit of the Somali army, while also serving as a strategic outpost for Türkiye in the region.

Türkiye and Somalia recently announced an expansion of their defense agreement, originally signed on Feb. 8, 2024, to include collaboration in the maritime sector.

Source: Newsroom

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