PM Hamza Marks 15 Years of Somalia-Türkiye Partnership and Friendship

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre marked the 15th anniversary of the partnership and friendship between Somalia and Türkiye, highlighting the evolution of bilateral relations into a strategic partnership covering security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, trade and investment.

Prime Minister Hamza recalled that 15 years ago, Somalia was facing severe challenges when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Mogadishu on August 19, 2011, amid drought, famine and insecurity. He described the visit as a clear message that the Somali people were not alone during a difficult period.

Since then, the Prime Minister said, relations between Somalia and Türkiye have developed beyond humanitarian support into a broad strategic partnership. Türkiye has supported Somalia during difficult periods and contributed to the rebuilding of government institutions, training and development of security forces, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister highlighted the thousands of Somali students who have studied in Türkiye and are now serving their country with the knowledge and skills they acquired, expressing the desire to further strengthen educational and academic cooperation.

He noted that Somalia today is different from the Somalia of 2011, citing progress in security, the economy and diplomacy. He also highlighted the completion of Somalia’s debt relief process, its accession to the East African Community (EAC), the lifting of the arms embargo and its growing role in international affairs.

Looking ahead, PM Hamza said Somalia wants relations with Türkiye to be based on shared prosperity, with greater trade and investment and increased cooperation in energy, fisheries, ports, agriculture, manufacturing and the blue economy.

He said Somalia aims for the next 15 years to bring a deeper, broader and more productive partnership, with the two peoples, businesses, universities and researchers working more closely together.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people, the Prime Minister thanked Türkiye for standing with Somalia during difficult times, believing in the Somali people, investing in the future of Somali children and continuing to support the Somalia being built today.

“May Allah preserve the friendship between Somalia and Türkiye,” the Prime Minister said.