In a major step toward strengthening strategic ties, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has officially ratified a bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The move marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries, particularly in the areas of military collaboration and defense industry development.
Details of Azerbaijan Somalia Defense Agreement:
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.
The signatories included:
- Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Defense
- Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense
The Azerbaijani parliament approved the deal in a plenary session held on April 22, 2025, clearing the path for ratification by President Aliyev.
Key Objectives of Azerbaijan Somalia Defense Agreement:
This landmark agreement between Somalia and Azerbaijan aims to:
- Enhance bilateral military cooperation
- Promote joint defense initiatives
- Facilitate technology transfer
- Establish training programs and military exchanges
- Support defense industry development
Leaders from both nations hailed the deal as a milestone for regional defense diplomacy.
Especially as Somalia seeks to modernize and strengthen its defense infrastructure.
High-Level Strategic Dialogue
The ratification followed high-level discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, focusing on:
- Defense and security cooperation
- Green energy initiatives
- Economic partnerships
The talks underscored the mutual interest in forging long-term partnerships in areas beyond defense, including technology, trade, and sustainability.
Strengthening Somalia’s Global Ties
Azerbaijan Somalia Defense Agreement reflects Somalia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its international alliances and improve its national defense capabilities amid ongoing regional and internal security challenges.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is strategically extending its geopolitical reach into the Horn of Africa, where it sees growing potential for mutual cooperation in a variety of sectors.
