Azerbaijan ratifies defense pact with Somalia to boost military and strategic ties
Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday April 22, 2025
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Mogadishu (HOL) — Azerbaijan’s parliament ratified a defence cooperation agreement with Somalia on Monday, solidifying a growing partnership between the two countries to strengthen military ties and expand bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.
The agreement, formally 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 passed during a plenary session on April 22. Lawmakers approved the bill in its first reading.Initially signed in Baku on February 12, 2025, by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, the agreement outlines a broad legal framework for cooperation on military training, peacekeeping, defence industry development, and the exchange of technical expertise.
The 20-article accord requires both nations to implement its provisions in accordance with their national laws and international commitments. It also specifies that the cooperation is not intended to target or threaten any third party.
The ratification follows Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s official visit to Azerbaijan earlier this year, during which he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pledged to deepen relations beyond the defence sector. The two leaders discussed expanding ties in education, renewable energy, and public service reform.
During the visit, Somalia and Azerbaijan signed several additional agreements, including an education cooperation pact and a memorandum of understanding to support green energy initiatives in Somalia—areas where Azerbaijan has sought to leverage its expertise as part of its broader outreach to African countries.
For Somalia, the defence pact is a key component of its effort to rebuild and modernize its armed forces following years of conflict and instability. It also aligns with Mogadishu’s strategy of diversifying its security partnerships beyond traditional allies in the Horn of Africa and the Arab world.
For Azerbaijan, the agreement reflects a growing interest in Africa as a region for strategic cooperation and diplomatic engagement. The country has recently increased its footprint across the continent, seeking partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and security.