MOGADISHU — Somalia and Turkey sign landmark 10-year defence and economic cooperation agreement
The Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey have signed a comprehensive 10-year agreement aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing maritime security, and expanding economic collaboration in Somalia’s blue economy sector.
The Defence and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, ratified by Somalia’s parliament in February 2024, is among the most significant bilateral deals between the two countries in recent years.
Under the agreement, Somalia and Turkey will deepen cooperation in securing Somalia’s long coastline and territorial waters, which have historically faced challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats.
The deal includes provisions for joint maritime security operations, training of Somali naval forces, and support for the development of Somalia’s coast guard and naval capabilities. Officials say the partnership is intended to strengthen Somalia’s ability to independently secure its waters and improve regional maritime stability in the Horn of Africa.
In addition to security cooperation, the agreement focuses on Somalia’s blue economy, including fisheries management, port development, and offshore resource exploration. Key components include regulatory frameworks for licensing marine resources, investment in maritime infrastructure, and potential revenue-sharing mechanisms linked to resource development. The agreement also covers cooperation in offshore oil and gas exploration activities in Somali waters.
Somalia’s federal parliament approved the agreement with a majority vote, granting it full legal backing under the country’s treaty-making procedures. Government officials said the agreement is consistent with Somalia’s constitutional framework, which allows the federal government to enter into international agreements on behalf of the state.
However, implementation is expected to require coordination between federal and regional authorities, particularly on issues related to resource management and revenue distribution. Analysts say the agreement reflects Somalia’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships to improve security and attract investment, while Turkey continues to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa through defence cooperation and economic engagement.
The agreement is set to remain in force for 10 years and is expected to play a key role in shaping Somalia’s maritime security and economic development agenda.
