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Somali Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Yusuf Mohamed, held a key meeting with Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, in Doha, Qatar, on Friday to advance a new bilateral labour cooperation agreement between the two nations. The meeting was centered on putting the agreement into action — an initiative that was approved by Somalia’s Council of Ministers in July 2025 — and marks a significant step toward strengthening economic and social ties between Somalia and Turkey.
The discussions mainly focused on how both governments can collaborate to create more job opportunities, support workforce development, and establish long-term frameworks for employment growth in Somalia. The agreement, once implemented, is expected to help thousands of Somali youth gain access to better training and employment prospects, both locally and through joint initiatives with Turkish institutions.
According to officials, the partnership goes beyond job creation — it aims to build a stronger foundation for Somalia’s labour market by investing in human capital. This includes improving the country’s labour systems, upgrading skills among workers, and enhancing the overall quality of employment. The cooperation will also strengthen the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs’ capacity to manage social welfare programs, ensuring more Somalis benefit from sustainable livelihoods.
During the talks, both ministers agreed to establish specialized training programs tailored for Somali government staff, especially employees within the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. These training sessions will be guided by Turkish experts and are designed to equip Somali personnel with modern skills and knowledge in areas such as labour administration, workforce planning, and social protection management. By learning from Turkey’s advanced systems, Somalia hopes to build a more efficient and accountable labour sector capable of driving inclusive national development.
Minister Yusuf Mohamed expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Minister Işıkhan and the Turkish delegation. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to implementing the labour cooperation agreement swiftly and effectively. The Somali minister also emphasized that the partnership reflects more than just a technical collaboration — it is a continuation of the deep and historic relationship that exists between the two brotherly nations.
Turkey has been a longstanding ally and development partner to Somalia, supporting various sectors including education, health, infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance. This new phase of cooperation in labour and social affairs signals an expansion of that partnership into areas that directly impact the everyday lives of Somali citizens. Officials from both sides noted that the agreement’s success will rely on close coordination and a shared vision for progress.
The formal signing of the agreement is expected to take place soon in Turkey, symbolizing a renewed era of cooperation aimed at empowering Somali workers and improving social welfare systems. Once operational, the framework is expected to set clear pathways for training, job creation, and knowledge exchange, paving the way for Somalia’s growing workforce to compete in regional and international markets.
Minister Yusuf Mohamed concluded the meeting by highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing unemployment and social challenges. He noted that partnerships like this not only enhance skills and productivity but also promote unity and shared growth between nations. The Somali delegation left the meeting optimistic about the outcomes and eager to see the agreement translated into real opportunities for the Somali people.