ANKARA, Turkey – Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on Saturday attended the graduation ceremony of military officers, including several Somalis, who completed advanced studies and training at the War College of the Turkish National Defense University in Ankara.
The new graduates, drawn from the Somali National Army’s land, air, and naval forces, are expected to contribute their knowledge and skills toward strengthening Somalia’s armed forces and improving security and stability in the country.
Minister Fiqi presented diplomas and medals to the Somali officers, praising their dedication and resilience throughout their training period. He stressed that the skills gained will play a key role in the ongoing rebuilding of Somalia’s national defense institutions.
The ceremony was also attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, members of his cabinet, senior military officials, and defense ministers from several countries represented by the graduating officers.
Turkey has become one of Somalia’s strongest security and development partners over the past decade, providing military training, scholarships, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian aid. The latest graduation further underscores Ankara’s long-term role in helping rebuild Somalia’s defense capabilities.
