Somalia and Turkey move to fast-track defense and security agreements as bilateral ties deepen in Ankara.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has begun a series of high-level meetings in Turkey aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, accelerating the implementation of existing agreements, and reinforcing diplomatic efforts to safeguard Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

President Hassan Sheikh, who is on an official visit to Ankara, is holding talks with senior Turkish leadership focused on deepening strategic ties between Mogadishu and Ankara, particularly in the areas of security, defense, economic cooperation, and regional stability. The discussions come at a sensitive time, as Somalia intensifies diplomatic efforts to counter Israel’s recent announcement recognizing Somaliland.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has firmly rejected what he described as external interference in Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ankara has reiterated its long-standing position in support of Somalia’s unity, stressing that any actions undermining the country’s territorial integrity violate international law and threaten regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

According to diplomatic sources, the talks also include fast-tracking several bilateral agreements signed between the two countries, including a key maritime security and coastal defense deal concluded in 2024. Under the agreement, Turkey committed to supporting Somalia in protecting its territorial waters, combating illegal fishing, piracy, and other maritime threats.

Emerging reports indicate that the implementation phase of the coastal protection agreement is now underway, with the Turkish Navy expected to play a direct role in assisting Somalia to secure its maritime domain. The move is seen as a significant boost to Somalia’s efforts to protect its extensive coastline and national resources amid growing regional competition.

Turkey has been one of Somalia’s closest allies over the past decade, providing military training, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, and diplomatic support. Ankara also operates its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali National Army troops have received training.

President Hassan Sheikh’s visit underscores Somalia’s determination to mobilize international partnerships to defend its sovereignty while strengthening state institutions and national security. Somali officials say the engagement with Turkey reflects a broader strategy to consolidate alliances with trusted partners as Mogadishu confronts growing diplomatic and security challenges.

The meetings are expected to conclude with renewed commitments on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and coordinated diplomatic action to uphold Somalia’s unity and stability at both regional and international levels.