Friday July 25, 2025
Istanbul (HOL) — Türkiye and Somalia signed a new agreement
for cash assistance on Thursday during the 17th International Defense Industry
Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul, further cementing their strategic defense
partnership.
The agreement, titled the Amendment Protocol to the Cash
Assistance Implementation, was signed by Turkish National Defense Minister
Yasar Guler and Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the agreement
aims to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, enhance the capabilities of
the Somali National Army, and continue support for military training,
equipping, and capacity building.
Minister Fiqi hailed the deal as a reflection of the
deepening ties between the two nations and Somalia’s commitment to utilizing
Turkish support in alignment with its national interests.
The defense fair, which runs for six days, is taking place
across multiple venues including the Istanbul Fair Center, Atatürk Airport, WOW
Hotel, and Ataköy Marina. Organized by KFA Fairs with backing from Türkiye’s
Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation,
IDEF 2025 features Anadolu Agency as its global communication partner.
Türkiye plays a key role in rebuilding Somalia’s defense
sector. It operates its largest overseas military base, the Anatolia Barracks
in Mogadishu, and has trained more than 15,000 Somali troops since 2017.
Training is conducted both at the TURKSOM Military Training School in Somalia
and in Türkiye, focusing on commando operations, counterterrorism, special
forces tactics, and urban warfare.
