Sunday August 31, 2025
Ankara (HOL) — Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi
and Somali Ambassador to Türkiye Fathudin Ali Mohamed Ospite on Saturday
attended the graduation ceremony of officers, including Somali nationals, who
completed advanced studies and training at the War College of Türkiye’s
National Defence University.
The Somali graduates, drawn from the land, air, and naval
forces, are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to strengthen
the Somali National Army (SNA) and enhance security and stability across the
country.
Minister Fiqi presented certificates and medals to the
graduates, praising their dedication and perseverance during the program.
Ambassador Ospite told HOL that the Somali officers ranked
among the best-performing foreign trainees.
“The Somali army officers and other international trainees
received advanced military training. The Somali government thanks our Turkish
brothers for their support in rebuilding our armed forces,” Ospite said.
The ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan, senior government officials, military commanders, and defence
ministers from countries represented by the graduating officers.
The event coincided with celebrations marking the 103rd
anniversary of Türkiye’s Victory Day on Aug. 30. The national holiday
commemorates the decisive Battle of Dumlupinar fought between Aug. 26 and 30,
1922, when Turkish forces defeated invading Greek troops in what is now central
Türkiye’s Kütahya province. The victory marked the last major battle of the
Turkish War of Independence, paving the way for the expulsion of foreign forces
and the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923.