The Minister of Defense of Somalia Meets with the Turkish Ambassador

MOGADISHU – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, today received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Somalia, Mr. Alper Aktaş, accompanied by the Commander of TÜRKSOM, Major General Sebahattin Kalkan, and other officials.

The meeting focused on strengthening military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, accelerating joint operations, training of armed forces, and supporting the building of Somalia's defense capacity.

Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi thanked the Turkish government for its ongoing support to Somalia, particularly in the areas of combating terrorism, enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces, and developing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Minister also pointed out that there are groups he described as opposing the state-building of Somalia and undermining the strengthening relationship between Somalia and Turkey.

For his part, the Turkish Ambassador and accompanying officials expressed their commitment to continue supporting Somalia, particularly in the areas of security, military training, and rebuilding defense institutions.

The meeting was also attended by the Commander of the Land Forces and Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, and other officials from both sides.