The Government of Turkey has officially reaffirmed its support for Somalia and denied reports claiming that Russian-made S-400 air defense systems would be deployed to Somalia.

Speaking at a meeting in Ankara, Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications at the Turkish Presidency, said that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and nationhood is unacceptable, stressing that Turkey continues to stand firmly with Somalia.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that there are no plans to deploy the S-400 systems outside Turkey, rejecting earlier reports suggesting the weapons could be transferred to Somalia.

Turkey maintains a military base in Somalia that is used to train Somali government forces. The two countries are bound by security and energy agreements that continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

In recent years, Turkey has expanded its role in Somalia’s security and economic sectors, playing a visible part in stabilization efforts and the fight against the extremist group Al-Shabaab.

It is also expected that an oil exploration vessel will soon arrive off Somalia’s coast, at a time when the country is experiencing electoral uncertainty and political tension.