By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Mogadishu, (Dawan Africa) – Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel arrived in Mogadishu on Friday for an official visit coinciding with the graduation of the 8th batch of Somali National Army officer cadets at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy.
General Tokel was received at Aden Abdulle International Airport by Somali National Army Land Forces Commander, General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, along with other senior Somali and Turkish military officers.
According to a statement issued by the Somali government, General Tokel’s visit is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye in military training, professional development of officers and enhancing operational capacity of the Somali National Army.
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The visit comes as TURKSOM hosts a major graduation ceremony for the 8th batch of Somali National Army officer cadets. The graduates have completed extensive training in military leadership, operational planning, unit management, military discipline and national defence.
General Tokel’s visit is expected to further strengthen relations between the two armed forces and expand cooperation in military training, operational planning and exchange of defence expertise.
Türkiye is one of Somalia’s leading partners in rebuilding and strengthening its armed forces. Cooperation between the two countries forms part of broader efforts to develop a capable Somali military that can safeguard national security, defend the country’s sovereignty and assume full responsibility for Somalia’s security.