Hence it comes as no surprise that Somali Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, in his address to the parliament following the Cabinet approval of the deal, referred to Türkiye as a “true and reliable brother.” The intricate nature of regional dynamics and external threat perceptions made it imperative for Somalia to enhance its military and naval capabilities. [...] For instance, the defence ministers of Türkiye and Djibouti met in Ankara in February 19, to sign a military training cooperation agreement which also includes financial cooperation and cash aid.11 Strategically positioned at the entrance of the Suez Canal, Djibouti holds a key location in the Red Sea. [...] Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany, the USA, France, Italy and China have military bases in this small African country,12 having a population of 1.1 million.13 The escalating tensions in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden increased Djibouti’s geostrategic importance. [...] Following Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, the external actors, including the Arab League, the European Union, the USA and China sided with Somalia emphasizing the critical importance of its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.14 Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the same principles as a requirement of the international law.15 Amo. [...] The country terminated some of its financial assistance to Somalia military forces, sparking concerns that this could be followed by a lesser involvement in Somalia.16 Together with Saudi Arabia, the UAE supported the peace talks between Eritrea and Ethiopia.17 Stressing the need to adhere to the principles of good neighbourliness and regional security, Saudi Arabia recently affirmed its interest.
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- Italy
