Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the deepening partnership between Türkiye and Somalia, describing bilateral relations as “extremely positive and growing exponentially.”
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Benefits of the Türkiye-Somalia Partnership – Reflections on Somalia’s Experience” hosted by the SETA Foundation during his visit to Türkiye, President Mohamud praised Türkiye’s military, economic, diplomatic, and developmental support to Somalia.
“Türkiye is making Somalia more capable in terms of security, the economy, education, and diplomacy,” said Mohamud. “The support we receive from Türkiye is not only valuable but also grounded in shared beliefs.”
Türkiye’s Unique Role in Somalia’s Recovery
Mohamud emphasized that Somalia has been battling the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group Al-Shabaab for the past 15 years, with devastating consequences for the Somali people. He said rebuilding the country’s institutions with transparency and inclusivity remains a top priority for his government.
“Security is a key priority for us. Our people are at the center of our national vision, and we are confident that Somalia will rise to shape its own future,” he said.
A Historic and Expanding Relationship
Reflecting on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, Mohamud cited President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Mogadishu in August 2011 as a pivotal moment in Türkiye-Somalia relations.
“The entire world was surprised when President Erdoğan walked the streets of Mogadishu. It was something no one expected to be possible,” said Mohamud. “That visit marked a turning point, and it is clear why our relationship with Türkiye has become so strong.”
He added that every meeting he holds with Turkish government officials, civil society, and the private sector reaffirms that “Somalia is seen as more than just an opportunity – it is valued as a partner.”
Strengthening Somalia’s State Capacity
President Mohamud underlined Türkiye’s contributions to state-building in Somalia, including:
- Training Somali diplomats, civil servants, and military personnel.
- Providing technological equipment and infrastructure for training young public officials.
- Supporting economic growth through agreements between public institutions and Turkish companies.
- Enhancing Somalia’s security capacity, particularly in counterterrorism.
“Türkiye is helping Somalia become a more capable state – not just in terms of security, but also in economic, educational, and diplomatic fields,” he noted.
A Future Built on Stability and Shared Values
Mohamud concluded by reiterating Somalia’s gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering support, especially at a time when global political and economic uncertainty is rising.
“Despite global turbulence, Somalia-Türkiye relations are growing steadily and positively,” he said. “We will remain indebted to the support provided by the Turkish government and its people.”
The Somali president’s visit further solidified the strategic cooperation between the two nations, now in its second decade since the reestablishment of formal ties and Türkiye’s comprehensive humanitarian and development engagement in Somalia.