Defense Deal with Turkey will Boost Country’s Maritime Security, Former PM says

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Former Prime Minister and ex-President of Puntland Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gas has said the Defense Agreement between Somalia and Turkey will boost the country’s ability to secure its sea, prevent illegal fishing, and combat piracy.

He said the agreement should not be politicized and urged the Somali people to support for the country’s leaders in defending unity and preventing any threats.

“Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, yet cannot defend against piracy, toxic dumping, and foreign invasion,” said the former Prime Minister.

Gas reiterated President Mohamud’s comments that Somalia did not intend to antagonize any country through the deal saying the deal was meant to enhance peace in the region.

The agreement, titled “Framework Agreement on Defense and Economic Cooperation,” was signed by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Turkey’s Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler in Ankara on February 8.

On Wednesday, the Somali Cabinet approved the agreement before it received Cabinet approval.

The two houses of Somalia’s parliament voted to endorse the pact in a 213-3 vote.

Turkey is already helping Somalia with humanitarian assistance, budgetary support and the training of security forces.