Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Mehmet Yılmaz, emphasized Türkiye’s growing presence and impact in Somalia, noting that the humanitarian, health, education, and military efforts since the 2011 drought have significantly changed the international perception of Somalia.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency in the Somali capital, Ambassador Yılmaz highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations, tracing their roots to the Ottoman Empire. He stressed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Somalia during the 2011 drought marked a turning point in bilateral relations.
“President Erdoğan’s visit brought global attention back to Somalia and revitalized our partnership,” said Yılmaz.
Concrete Contributions in Health, Security, and Education
Ambassador Yılmaz underlined that Türkiye’s support has produced tangible results. The Somali Mogadishu Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital has become a cornerstone in rebuilding the country’s healthcare system, with many Somali doctors completing their specializations there.
In security cooperation, Türkiye has trained over 5,000 Somali soldiers at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu and provided additional commando training in Isparta, Türkiye. Furthermore, nearly 1,000 special operations police officers have also been trained by Turkish forces and now serve on the frontlines of national security efforts.
Revival of Somali-Somaliland Mediation
Ambassador Yılmaz also stated that with the conclusion of the recent Somali elections, Türkiye aims to revitalize its mediation efforts between Somalia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland.
“We are looking to restart momentum in the Somali-Somaliland dialogue, which had slowed during the election period,” he said.
Economic Ties and Private Sector Growth
Türkiye’s support is not limited to aid. Turkish private companies operate key infrastructures such as Mogadishu’s airport and seaport. Yılmaz noted that bilateral trade volume has surpassed $300 million, with small and medium-sized Turkish enterprises investing in various sectors despite existing risks.
“With proper security precautions, Somalia offers real opportunities for Turkish businesses,” said the Ambassador.
Somalia Open to Türkiye
After the recent peaceful elections, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his country’s strong ties with Türkiye. In their first meeting after the vote, he told Ambassador Yılmaz that “Somalia’s doors are wide open to Türkiye.”
Ambassador Yılmaz expressed optimism about the future of Somalia-Türkiye relations, saying:
“Our relations are excellent. We have always worked closely with Somali leaders, and we expect this strong cooperation to accelerate under the new administration.”
Türkiye as a Catalyst for Return
According to Yılmaz, Türkiye’s presence has also inspired confidence among the Somali diaspora. He said many Somalis living abroad have begun returning to their homeland, encouraged by Türkiye’s visible role in improving conditions in the country.
A Model of Sustainable Support
While humanitarian aid remains essential, Ambassador Yılmaz emphasized Türkiye’s strategy of sustainable development through investments in health, education, and security.
“You cannot keep a country afloat solely with humanitarian assistance. You must build capacity—and Türkiye is doing exactly that,” he concluded.
Türkiye’s comprehensive engagement with Somalia, encompassing state-building, infrastructure, and human capital development, continues to serve as a model of long-term, human-centered diplomacy.