The governments of Somalia and Qatar today signed a defense cooperation agreement to strengthen military relations and security cooperation between the two countries, a move that marks a strategic shift in Somalia’s defense policy.
A statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Defense said that the agreement was officially signed by the Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Saud bin Abdirahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
The statement stated that the agreement is a defense cooperation agreement that focuses on training of the armed forces, exchanging military experiences, developing defense capabilities, and strengthening security cooperation, in order to support efforts to ensure security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
The signing of this agreement comes at a time when the Federal Government of Somalia officially terminated its previous defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates, with Qatar now becoming the new partner in military cooperation.
Officials from both countries said that this agreement further strengthens the strategic relationship between Somalia and Qatar, and demonstrates the commitment of both sides to work together to develop defense, security, and military cooperation in the long term.
