President Aliyev highlights Azerbaijan's strong defense industry potential in meeting with Somali counterpart PHOTO

On February 12, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev hosted his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking the first-ever bilateral visit between the two countries.

In a joint press conference, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“This is a historic visit and the first in the history of bilateral relations between our countries. I am sure that the visit will open a new page in the close friendly relationship between our countries,” said President Ilham Aliyev.

He emphasized the significance of the agreements signed during the visit, adding, “The documents, which have been signed today, clearly demonstrate our mutual will to develop bilateral ties in many areas. I am sure that all that have been signed today in Baku will be materialized and will elevate our relations to a higher level.”

President Aliyev also underscored the strength of Azerbaijan's defense industry, highlighting its capacity to manufacture a wide range of defense equipment. He noted, “Azerbaijan has elaborated strong defense industry potential, manufacturing many of the defense equipment.”

The Azerbaijani leader outlined the importance of defense cooperation between the two nations, saying, “Defense cooperation, training, and also potentially, the joint manufacturing of defense equipment and supply of defense equipment from Azerbaijan to Somalia should be one of the important areas of our cooperation.”

“We will definitely continue to support each other in the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international institutions. Because this is very important for both countries to have partners and friends on whom they can rely,” Aliyev stated.

For his part, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan. “This visit is not just a diplomatic engagement. Indeed, it is the beginning of a meaningful and strategic alliance on partnership between our two brotherly countries,” Mohamud remarked.

“Somalia and Azerbaijan share a common vision for development, security, and prosperity. I would also like to commend the Azerbaijani people for protecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mohamud added.

President Mohamud also shared Somalia’s eagerness to learn from Azerbaijan’s experience, particularly its successful model of governance and development. “We would like Azerbaijan to share the experience it went through, and we are ready to learn from your practical experience,” he said.

“Somalia is a country in transition from a difficult era to a very bright future. Somalia is a rich and resourceful country, but circumstances have not given it the opportunity to prosper.” 

However, he expressed confidence that the partnership with Azerbaijan would help unlock Somalia’s potential.

“With good partners like Azerbaijan, I believe that the potential of our country will be very visible and predictable. Predictable politics and predictable policies of development are other key areas in which we can learn from Azerbaijan,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded.

By Khagan Isayev