MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Thursday visited Turkey’s biggest overseas military base in Mogadishu.
The facility spans over 4 square kilometers (1.54 square miles) and can train more than 1,500 troops at a time, according to the Somali government.
Mr. Akar held talks with Turkish trainers and Somali officials at the base.
The base which holds three military residential complexes, training venues, and sports courts was opened last year after two years of construction.
Meanwhile, the minister held talks with Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and the Chief Commander of the Somali National Army Gen. Dahir Adan Elmi, and chaired a meeting between delegations.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed also received the Turkish delegation at the presidential palace.
The officials discussed bilateral defense and military cooperation as well as regional issues, according to Turkish defense sources.
Akar and his delegation later visited the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu.
“Turkey is an important supporter of the regional and global peace and stability. We always stand by the Somali people with which we have strong historical bonds.
“Turkey has mobilized it historical, social, political and cultural experience for its Somali brothers,” Akar wrote in a message on the embassy notebook.
Turkish defense minister said Turkey will continue to support Somalia.
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