Türkiye, Somalia share genuine partnership based on mutual benefit: Somali President

Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Türkiye and Somalia are “genuine partners based on mutual benefit,” acknowledging Ankara’s pivotal role in Somalia’s state-building and fight against terrorism.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), Mohamud emphasized Mogadishu’s strategic transformation and the importance of sustained global support.

‘There is no place for terrorism in Somalia’

Mohamud described Somalia’s recovery from collapse to fragility, highlighting recent progress in stabilizing the country and building public institutions. “People are receiving the message: there is no place for terrorism in Somalia,” he said.

He noted that Somalia is actively combating al-Shabab and Daesh, with operational support from the United Nations, the African Union, Türkiye, the U.S., the U.K., and neighboring states. However, he stressed that the counterterrorism efforts are led by Somalis themselves.

He said, “For the first time since 1969, we are going to have elections,” and added that Somalia now represents East Africa on the U.N. Security Council.

National transformation and economic stability

The president detailed his government’s ongoing reforms, stating that they were building a stable economic model, increasing employment in education and health, and promoting investment in the private sector, including real estate.

“Turkish companies operate our international airport and some of our ports,” said Mohamud. “We are working on our national transformation program to fix institutional weaknesses and we are progressing toward our long-term Vision 2060.”

Moral responsibility and global solidarity

“We feel an additional moral responsibility to represent those who are suffering,” said Mohamud. “We have transitioned from a world of ideology and principles to a world of interests, and underdeveloped countries are unable to market their interests.”

“We have resources and a strategic location, but because our institutions are weak, external actors often think about what they can take rather than what they can contribute,” he added.

Türkiye-Somalia partnership and mediation role

“Türkiye and Somalia are genuine partners based on mutual benefit,” said Mohamud, underlining cooperation in security, state-building, and infrastructure. He recalled Türkiye’s humanitarian intervention in 2011 during Somalia’s famine and praised its ongoing support.

He noted that Somalia recently began exploring its oil and gas potential and that Türkiye was the first country to express formal interest.

Regarding Türkiye’s regional diplomacy, he added, “When there is a problem between Somalia and its neighbors, Türkiye steps in to mediate. The Ankara Declaration is a result of Türkiye’s honest mediation.”

He added, “You must be an honest broker. A mediator should have no interest other than peace. Türkiye has excellent relations with Somalia and Ethiopia, and it has supported both during difficult times.”

Position on Palestine and Somaliland

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Mohamud said Somalia would never compromise its moral and religious stance and reaffirmed its support for a peaceful two-state solution.

Commenting on reports suggesting Palestinian relocation to Somaliland, Mohamud stated, “Somaliland is part of Somalia. Of course, we are not talking about jungle law. No one can just come and take a part of our country. Somaliland is part of Somalia. No one has ever approached us with the idea of resettling Palestinians in Somalia instead of their homeland. I do not see that idea as a solution in any way. It is not a matter of recognition or non-recognition. But separating Palestinians from their land and resettling them elsewhere is in no way a solution.”

Minister Nur highlights strategic maritime cooperation

Somalia Ports and Maritime Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur also praised Türkiye’s contributions. “Türkiye’s continued support for the modernization of key transit hubs has helped us reimagine what is possible for our economy, regional role, and people.”

“Somalia’s ports are not only national assets but also vital international connectors due to our geostrategic position,” said Nur.

“Türkiye -Somalia relations stand out as one of the most enduring and exemplary partnerships in Africa,” he said. “Built on historical closeness and reinforced by trust, our partnership has evolved with a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and regional leadership.”

He emphasized that the Feb. 8 Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Türkiye and Somalia includes collaboration in maritime security, counterterrorism, and national defense capacity-building.

Nur highlighted that the offshore and onshore hydrocarbon exploration agreements signed with Türkiye are key steps toward Somalia’s energy independence. “These are not just economic agreements—they reflect a shared intention that two nations bound by brotherhood can transform the future together,” he said.

“Türkiye and Somalia are not just allies—we are co-authors of a future shaped by trust, determination, and shared strength,” he added.

Ankara’s contributions to Somalia’s port infrastructure, maritime vocational training, and institutional development are, according to Nur, “pillars of a broader vision to make Somalia the logistics and trade gateway for East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.”

“Maritime ties between Turks and Somalis go back to the Ottoman Empire,” he said. “This shared history demonstrates that Somalia’s ports, located at the intersection of global trade routes, are not just national assets but critical international links. Türkiye’s ongoing support for their modernization has enabled us to reimagine what is possible for our economy, regional role, and our people,” he added.