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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has embarked on a working visit to Turkey, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations. Invited by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Mohamud’s trip underscores the deepening ties between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in areas of security, military collaboration, and economic development.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Mohamud is set to hold discussions with Turkish leaders aimed at enhancing cooperation in critical sectors. The Somali Presidency emphasized the importance of the visit in advancing Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism and rebuild its institutions. “This visit is vital for strengthening cooperation between Somalia and Turkey in eradicating terrorism and ensuring stability, peace, and reconstruction,” the Presidency stated.
Somalia and Turkey share a strategic partnership that spans multiple sectors, including defense, trade, the blue economy, energy, and education. Turkey has been a key ally in Somalia’s development journey, providing humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, and military training. The delivery of advanced Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to Somalia earlier this year marked a milestone in their military collaboration, enhancing Somalia’s capacity to counter Al-Shabaab and other extremist threats.
During the visit, President Mohamud is expected to discuss further military cooperation, including the deployment of Turkish-trained Somali forces and the integration of advanced technologies into Somalia’s security apparatus. The talks will also explore opportunities for economic collaboration, with a focus on trade and investment in Somalia’s emerging sectors.
Turkey’s role in Somalia’s development has been widely recognized, with Turkish companies playing a pivotal role in rebuilding infrastructure and supporting local businesses. The Mogadishu International Airport and seaport, both managed by Turkish firms, have become symbols of the partnership between the two nations. President Mohamud’s visit aims to build on these successes and pave the way for increased collaboration in fostering economic growth.
The Somali government remains committed to eliminating extremist threats and ensuring lasting peace and stability. President Mohamud’s visit to Turkey is seen as a strategic move to strengthen international support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. Turkish President Erdogan has reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism and its broader development goals.
The visit has garnered attention from regional and international stakeholders, with analysts highlighting its potential to enhance Somalia’s diplomatic standing and attract foreign investment. The discussions in Turkey are expected to yield agreements that will further solidify the alliance between the two nations and contribute to Somalia’s reconstruction efforts.
As Somalia navigates its path to recovery, the partnership with Turkey serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges. President Mohamud’s visit underscores the importance of fostering strong alliances to achieve sustainable development and regional stability.