Tuesday May 13, 2025
Photo: AZERTAC
Baku (HOL) – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has ratified a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia on cooperation in the field of defense and the defense industry, marking a significant step forward in military and strategic ties between the two nations.
The agreement, titled "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and the Defense Industry," was signed on February 12, 2025, in Baku by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov.
Officials from both sides hailed the deal as a milestone in expanding defense and military industry collaboration, potentially paving the way for technology transfer, training programs, and joint defense initiatives.
The ratification comes after high-level talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Ilham Aliyev, during which the leaders discussed a broad range of strategic issues, including green energy, economic cooperation, and enhanced defense relations.
Azerbaijan's parliament had approved the agreement during a plenary session on April 22, affirming the country's intent to deepen engagement with Somalia across multiple sectors.
The agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between Baku and Mogadishu, as Somalia continues to seek global allies in its efforts to strengthen national security and defense capabilities.