Somalia, Türkiye strengthen diplomatic ties through training initiatives
After Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the signing of a defense and economic pact with Türkiye, Somalis attending the celebration ceremony in the capital Mogadishu enthusiastically waved both Turkish and Somali flags, Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb. 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with Türkiye’s Diplomatic Academy Director Mesut Ozcan in Mogadishu late Monday to discuss enhancing diplomatic training and cooperation.
Strengthening diplomatic training
The discussions focused on strengthening the relationship between the Turkish Academy and the Somali Diplomatic Institute, fostering an exchange of experiences and best practices.
Historical support
Fiqi expressed profound gratitude for Türkiye’s steadfast support, including training over 80 Somali diplomats in the past 15 years. This close friendship began with Turkish President Erdogan’s 2011 visit, the first by a non-African leader in over two decades.
Continued commitment
Türkiye has strong historical ties with Somalia, emphasizing “win-win” relations. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has carried out over 150 development aid projects in Somalia since 2011. Türkiye also maintains its largest African embassy in Mogadishu and has built its largest overseas military facility there to train the Somali National Army.
