MOGADISHU (SD) – Turkish government has pledged to support Somalia politically and militarily thanks to a meeting between Somalia’s Chief of General Staff Brig. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rageh and Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

Somalia’s army chief has travelled to Ankara on Monday following an invitation of Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler.

Akar on Tuesday received Odawa at his office in Ankara to hold talks the relationship between Somalia and Turkey.

In a statement, Ikar said that political and military cooperation between Turkey and “friendly and brotherly” Somalia continues to develop.

Akar has affirmed his government’s commitment to support the horn of African nation which recovers from almost three decades of civil war.

The minister said Ankara will continue to provide all kinds of support for the people of Somalia to ensure that they live in peace and tranquility.

On his part, Gen. Odawa has thanked Turkish government for its support to rebuild the security forces of the horn of Africa nation.

Turkey took part in rebuilding Somalia across all sectors and has been a crucial strategic partner in training and equipping Somali troops, particularly the Gorgor Commando Brigade of the national army and the Haramcad (Cheetah) Special Police Unit.

Turkey’s biggest overseas military training base, which was inaugurated in 2017, is located in Somalia and is also among the largest foreign-run military centers in the country.

Somalia plunged into chaos after the 1991 overthrow of President Siad Barre’s military regime, leading to years of clan warfare followed by the rise of the al-Shabaab terrorist group, which once controlled large parts of the country and the capital.