ANKARA, Turkey – The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Hassan Adan, finalized a significant agreement today with the Turkish industrial group OYAK. The signing ceremony in Ankara marks the official implementation of the Cooperation and Marine Production Development partnership, a move designed to protect and maximize the nation’s marine resources.
The Minister was received at the OYAK headquarters by the Turkish Minister of National Defense, highlighting the high-level nature of the engagement. During the event, Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan outlined the strategic value of the collaboration, noting that it aims to channel direct investment into Somalia’s blue economy infrastructure.
The agreement focuses on scaling up fish production to meet international market standards, establishing domestic processing industries, and advancing the technical skills of local fishermen. This initiative is expected to modernize the sector and integrate Somali products into the global supply chain.
Witnessed by the Somali Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries, Mr. Abdi Dirshe, the pact places a high priority on maritime security. It includes robust measures to combat illegal fishing and aims to generate thousands of employment opportunities, specifically benefiting youth and communities residing in coastal areas.
Minister Ahmed commended the Turkish government and OYAK for their confidence in Somalia’s growing stability. He noted that this substantial investment demonstrates the country’s recovery and its increasing appeal to international corporations committed to economic development and job creation.
In return, leadership from the Turkish Ministries of Defense, Agriculture and Forestry, and Foreign Affairs, alongside OYAK executives, acknowledged the strategic importance of the agreement. They expressed gratitude to the Somali government for trusting Turkish investment plans, reaffirming that such projects strengthen the historic and brotherly bond between the two nations.
