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Friday March 8, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the swearing-in ceremony for the newly graduated Somali National Army (SNA) Gorgor Brigade, who received military training at the TURKSOM Military Academy.
During his speech at the ceremony on Thursday, President Mohamud emphasized that the government’s top priority is to reform the National Army, which serves as the cornerstone of the country’s governance, and to achieve swift victory in the war against terrorism.
“Today, many areas that terrorists long occupied are liberated. You and others like you who graduate from this Academy can restore the honor and dignity of the Somali nation,” he remarked.
The newly trained soldiers showcased their skills in a parade, expressing gratitude to President Mohamud for prioritizing the rebuilding of the armed forces and extending his thanks to the Turkish government for its role in rebuilding the Somali Armed Forces.
This week, a high-level Turkish government delegation, comprising Navy and Land Forces commanders and officials from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, arrived in Mogadishu. They held meetings with Defense Minister Abduqadir Mohamed Noor and Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, the Commander of the Somali National Army.
The visit of the Ankara delegation to Mogadishu reportedly aimed at discussions regarding the rebuilding and equipping of the Somali military forces, as well as enhancing the recent defense and economic cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey.
The relationship between Somalia and Turkey has strengthened since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit in 2011.