ANKARA (SD)-President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a motion to the Turkish Parliament requesting approval to deploy Turkish forces to the waters of Somalia.

This move follows a defense and economic cooperation agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in February, aimed at strengthening Somalia’s maritime defense capabilities and establishing a naval force for Somalia.

The motion presented to the Turkish Parliament seeks a two-year mandate, with the possibility of renewal, allowing President Erdogan to deploy Turkish naval forces to Somalia.

According to the Middle East Eye, this action responds to a formal request from the Somali government.

The agreement is seen as a countermeasure to an agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January, which granted Addis Ababa rights to part of Somalia’s waters.

“The deployment of Turkish forces will be coordinated with Somali leaders and will enhance maritime security for Somalia,” President Erdogan stated.

Earlier this month, Turkey hosted the Foreign Ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia to mediate and resolve the tensions between the two countries.