Deputy Foreign Minister and EU President Faruk Kaymakcı stated that Turkey’s foreign policy is built on the principles of humanitarianism and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that these same values underpin its approach to Africa, particularly Somalia.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency during the 3rd Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul, co-organized by the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) and Global Somali Diaspora (GSD), Kaymakcı said, “Turkey’s engagement in Somalia has not only contributed to regional stability but also served as a model for the world.”
Kaymakcı highlighted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2011 visit to Somalia—during one of the country’s worst droughts—marked a turning point in bilateral relations. “That visit sparked a new era of cooperation based on trust and mutual respect,” he said. “Unlike others, Turkey extended aid in ways that empowered Somalis and respected their dignity.”
He noted that following the visit, Somalis requested Turkey’s assistance in organizing and strengthening their diaspora—taking inspiration from Turkey’s own effective diaspora engagement strategies. “We supported them in launching the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) platform in Istanbul in 2014, and we continue to support their conferences and initiatives,” Kaymakcı added.
The ongoing 5th conference, Kaymakcı explained, brings together Somali diaspora members to explore how they can contribute to Somalia in areas such as investment, education, climate change, youth, and arts.
On Turkey’s broader engagement in Somalia, Kaymakcı stressed, “We never approached our relationship with Somalia through competition or hegemony. We treat our Somali brothers and sisters as equals.” He noted that Turkey’s aid to Somalia has surpassed $1 billion and includes development projects in education, health, military training, and diplomacy.
He added, “We’ve established one of Turkey’s largest embassies in Mogadishu, built one of Africa’s largest hospitals there, and provide comprehensive military training to help Somalia form a disciplined and professional army through the TURKSOM initiative.”
Kaymakcı concluded:
“Turkey’s efforts in Somalia are recognized by the European Union and the global community. In the shining eyes of the Somali diaspora, one can see both the hope for Somalia’s development and deep appreciation for Turkey.”