The Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, arrived in Ankara, Turkey, today leading a high-level delegation of senior military officials. The official visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen defence and security cooperation between Somalia and Turkey.
The Commander’s visit is significant as it represents a new step in deepening the long-standing military ties between the two countries. Turkey has played a key role in training thousands of Somali troops, both at facilities in Turkey and at the TURKSOM base in Mogadishu, as part of a broader defence and economic framework agreement signed in 2024.
During the visit, the Commander and his delegation are expected to hold meetings with senior Turkish military and defence officials. Discussions are set to focus on enhancing military coordination, expanding training programmes, and improving the capacity of the Somali National Army. The talks are also likely to cover equipment support and ways to strengthen Somali forces as they prepare to take on greater security responsibilities.
The visit comes as Somalia continues to build its military capabilities with the support of international partners. Turkey’s contribution has been central to this effort, particularly in preparing Somali forces for counter-insurgency operations and stabilisation missions.
The delegation’s trip is expected to conclude with a series of agreements aimed at further advancing the bilateral defence partnership.
