ISTANBUL, Türkiye – The Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jaama), is actively participating in the Global Transport Connectivity Forum, which commenced today in Istanbul, Türkiye. The high-profile forum, inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is a significant international gathering organized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
The central aim of the Global Transport Connectivity Forum is to bolster international connectivity across all modes of transport: land, sea, and air. Discussions at the forum are intensely focused on strategies to enhance global linkages, thereby facilitating increased trade volumes, streamlining logistics, and improving communication channels worldwide. For nations like Somalia, which are striving for economic recovery and greater integration into the global economy, participation in such a forum is of paramount importance.
Somalia possesses the longest coastline in mainland Africa and a strategically vital geographical location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. The Federal Government has articulated an ambitious vision to transform Somalia into a pivotal regional hub for trade and logistics. Improved global transport connectivity is a foundational element for realizing this aspiration, enabling Somalia to leverage its natural advantages for economic growth. The forum provides an invaluable platform for the Somali delegation to engage with international counterparts, share its national development plans, and explore potential partnerships for infrastructure investment and capacity building in its port and maritime sectors.
Minister Nur’s presence at the forum further highlights the robust and expanding bilateral relationship between Somalia and Türkiye. Over recent years, Türkiye has emerged as a key strategic partner for Somalia, contributing substantially to various sectors including infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, and security. Turkish expertise and investment have played a considerable part in the modernization efforts of Somalia’s critical infrastructure, particularly its ports. This enduring cooperation serves as a powerful example of how international partnerships can contribute to national development objectives.
The Global Transport Connectivity Forum is expected to foster new collaborative initiatives and share innovative solutions for modernizing global transport networks. Somalia’s participation is a clear demonstration of its proactive approach to engaging with the international community, seeking to benefit from global best practices and contribute to a more interconnected world, ultimately driving its own economic revitalization and regional stability.