The Somalia’s Parliament has ratified country’s military agreement made recently with Türkiye’s government which covers defence and economic cooperation including “combating Somali waters”.

The Agreement was signed by the defence ministers of both countries in Ankara on February 8, 2024 to enhance bilateral relations and the stability of the region, as well as to combat terrorism and illegal fishing in Somali waters.

According to Somalia’s national news agency (SONNA), the agreement was almost unanimously approved by country’s Federal Parliament.

The agreement comes on the heels of the escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somalia following the sea access MoU signed between the breakaway region of Somaliland and Ethiopia, which the Somalia’s government has been rejecting noting that the agreement violates its territorial integrity.

Somalia envisages its Agreement with Türkiye boosts its maritime security and defence including the protection of its sea outlets, SONNA reported.

Responding to MP’s queries recently, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed that the misunderstanding with Somalia over the Ethiopia-Somaliland sea access deal, would be settled peacefully.

However, he also mentioned that his country is capable of defending itself which ignites worry among many that a conflict could be broke out between the two countries in the volatile region that has been destabilized by terrorism.