ANKARA (SD)-The Turkish Parliament has approved a motion recently submitted by President Erdogan to deploy Turkish naval forces and warships to the Somali coast.

The duration approved by the Parliament is two years, after which it will need to be renewed.

This move represents an important step in implementing the defense and economic cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey.

The cooperation agreement, signed by Turkey and Somalia in February, aims to strengthen Somalia’s maritime defense capabilities and build a naval force.

Recently, Somaliland rejected the deployment of Turkish forces to the Horn of Africa coast, warning them not to approach Somaliland waters.

Since 2010, Turkey has had a significant influence in Somalia, managing the Mogadishu Port and the international airport, also maintaining a military base and large embassy in Somalia, making it Somalia’s closest ally.