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The Somali government has expressed strong appreciation to Türkiye and its people for their continued support, particularly in the areas of security cooperation and counterterrorism. The remarks came after high-level talks held in Mogadishu between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and a visiting Turkish delegation, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Hamza described Türkiye as a key strategic ally that has consistently stood by Somalia during some of its most challenging periods. He praised Ankara’s role in supporting Somalia’s security, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that Turkish assistance has gone beyond words to include tangible support aimed at strengthening state institutions.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Türkiye’s involvement has been particularly impactful in the security sector, where Somalia continues to face serious threats from militant groups. He said Türkiye’s support has contributed to rebuilding and professionalizing Somali security forces, improving coordination, and enhancing the country’s capacity to protect its citizens and maintain stability.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to further expand bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on counterterrorism efforts and security coordination. The talks also touched on broader regional issues, including the need to promote peace and stability across the Horn of Africa. Officials emphasized that instability in one country often affects the wider region, making cooperation and partnership essential.
The Turkish delegation was led by Ali Onaner, Director of the Africa Department at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and included Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş. Onaner reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm commitment to Somalia, stressing that Ankara views its relationship with Mogadishu as a long-term partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests.
He pledged that Türkiye would continue supporting Somalia in areas considered a priority by the Somali government, including security, counterterrorism, institutional development and overall state-building. The Turkish side also expressed readiness to deepen cooperation and explore new areas where joint efforts could make a meaningful difference for the Somali people.
Türkiye has been one of Somalia’s most visible and consistent international partners over the past decade, providing support in security, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, health, education and capacity building. Turkish-funded projects and institutions have become a familiar presence in Somalia, symbolizing a partnership that extends beyond diplomacy into everyday life.
The meeting also came amid ongoing regional and international discussions about Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Türkiye is among the countries that have publicly reaffirmed their support for a united Somalia, particularly following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Ankara’s position aligns with that of the Somali federal government, which maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government and has since operated as a self-governing administration. Despite maintaining its own institutions and relative stability, Somaliland has not received international recognition as a sovereign state. The Somali government continues to seek diplomatic backing from allies to preserve the country’s unity and internationally recognized borders.
Officials in Mogadishu view Türkiye’s continued engagement as a sign of trust and solidarity, especially at a time when Somalia is pushing forward with security reforms, counterterrorism operations and broader state-building efforts. Both sides expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would contribute to lasting peace, improved security and greater stability for Somalia and the wider region.