The governments of Somalia and Turkey are working to strengthen their diplomatic relations. Somalia’s Ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ospite, noted that Turkey has played a vital role in his country’s recovery. His comments followed a meeting with Burhanettin Duran, the Assistant Minister of Türkiye’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
“Turkey has been a steadfast friend, playing a crucial role in our country’s recovery. Their consistent support is unwavering. We unequivocally agreed that Somalia’s territorial integrity is inviolable. The Minister reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to safeguarding our nation,” Ospite stated.
The two officials discussed ways to enhance the strong, brotherly ties between Somalia and Turkey, as well as the overall security situation in the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Ospite stressed the critical importance of protecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In his remarks, Duran confirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development and security, particularly by enhancing the capabilities of the Somali Navy. This meeting to bolster relations comes shortly after Turkey renewed its support for Somalia when its Parliament approved a presidential motion to deploy military personnel in Somalia for two years.
The Turkish military will assist in addressing security challenges, including terrorism, under the Türkiye-Somalia Defense Cooperation Agreement. The motion, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlighted that Turkey has been providing training, assistance, and advisory support in Somalia for over a decade to ensure security and stability and to help restructure the country’s defense and security forces to combat terrorism.
Ambassador Ospite has been instrumental in strengthening the Somalia-Turkey relationship, with his tenure marked by efforts to expand cooperation across various sectors, including economics, humanitarian aid, and diaspora engagement.
