Mogadishu, Somalia –The Federal Government of Somalia has formally requested that the United States renew the bilateral defense agreement signed between the two nations in 1980.

The announcement was made by Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, during an interview with TRT TV at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye.

Minister Ali emphasized the strategic importance of the Somalia-US relationship, especially in light of the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the Horn of Africa. He noted that Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa and that the original defense agreement allowed US forces to use three key Somali airports and seaports: Berbera, Kismayo, and Mogadishu. This agreement, he said, was signed during the presidency of Jimmy Carter.

“We are now requesting a renewal of this agreement so that the US can continue to use those ports and airfields. If they need more access points, we are open to that too,” said Minister Ali.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the US, particularly in the fight against terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

“The US is essential to our fight against Al-Shabaab and Daesh, and we need their support at all times,” he added.

His remarks come as Somalia offered the US in March a special proposal to use military bases and economic infrastructure, including Balidogle and Berbera airfields, and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.