The Somali government has granted Türkiye authorization to safeguard its sea waters for a period of 10 years through a defense agreement signed between the two nations.

According to Somalia's Information Minister Daud Aweis, this landmark pact is poised to substantially enhance the government's efforts in ensuring its sovereignty.

The agreement, titled "Framework Agreement on Defense and Economic Cooperation," was signed by Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur during a meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler in the capital city of Ankara on February 8.

Despite grappling with economic and political challenges, Somalia has been facing security threats from the outlawed radical Islamist armed group al-Shabaab for years. Additionally, conflicts with neighboring Ethiopia over maritime boundaries have also been a concern.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that the agreement with Türkiye is not aimed at threatening regional countries. He clarified, "Our Turkish brothers will protect our seas for only 10 years within the framework of this agreement. After 10 years of cooperation, we will have our own navy to protect our seas," as reported by the online news outlet T24.

Türkiye has been actively involved in Somali territorial waters since 2009, operating under a UN mission aimed at combating piracy and armed robbery. Furthermore, Ankara maintains a significant military base in the capital, Mogadishu.

President Mohamud highlighted that the agreement with Türkiye encompasses cooperation on various fronts, including counterterrorism efforts, countering external threats, combating piracy and illegal fishing, coastal protection, and the development of marine resources. He reiterated that the agreement does not harbor hostile intentions towards Ethiopia or any other country. (ILKHA)