Somalia has thanked Turkish government for its support in the rebuilding process of the country’s military.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over vehicles to Somali military, Somali Defense Minister Hassan Ali Mohamed said Turkey play vital role in the reviving the country’s army.
“Our brothers did supported this country generously. From training to logistics, they helped us in every aspect,” he said.
On Thursday, Turkish defence ministry donated 12 armored personnel carriers to the Somali military to support its fight against al-Shabaab.
The handing over event was attended by Somali armed forces commander Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rageh and several other military commanders.
On his side, SNA Chief, Rageh welcomed the donation by Turkish government saying it will be important in the fight against al-Shabaab.
“Today, we are here to receive this latest modern armored personnel carriers from our friendly and brotherly country Turkey and we are thanking them for their support to our military and country,” he said
Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Mehmet Yilmaz who representing his government in the even expressed his government’s commitment to support the Horn of Africa nation’s rebuilding process.
Under Siyad Barre’s rule, Somalia once possessed a formidable military in the continent.
The army which disintegrated when the civil war 1990s was re-established during the former transitional Somali governments.
SNA soldiers backed by continental forces have been battling Al-Shabab in different parts of the country for a decade.
SNA was established on 12th April in 1960 after Somalia got its full independence.
