Somalia and Türkiye mark 15 years of strategic partnership

Speaking to mark the anniversary, Mr Hamza recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Mogadishu on 19 August 2011, at a time when Somalia was facing severe drought, famine and insecurity.

He said the visit sent a clear message that Somalia and its people were not alone during a period of profound crisis.

Over the past 15 years, the relationship has expanded from humanitarian assistance into a broader strategic partnership covering security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, trade and investment.

Türkiye has supported efforts to rebuild Somali state institutions and has contributed to the training and development of the country’s security forces. It has also provided support in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Mr Hamza highlighted the thousands of Somali students who have studied in Türkiye and returned to contribute to their country’s development.

He said Somalia wanted to further strengthen academic and educational links between the two countries, including cooperation between universities and researchers.

The prime minister also pointed to changes in Somalia since 2011, citing progress in security, the economy and diplomacy.

He highlighted Somalia’s completion of its debt-relief process, accession to the East African Community (EAC), the lifting of the UN arms embargo and what he described as the country’s growing role in international affairs.

Looking ahead, Mr Hamza said Somalia wanted the relationship with Türkiye to focus increasingly on shared prosperity.

He identified trade and investment, energy, fisheries, ports, agriculture, manufacturing and the blue economy as areas where cooperation could expand.

“The next 15 years should bring a deeper, broader and more productive partnership,” Mr Hamza said, calling for closer cooperation between the two countries’ governments, businesses, universities and researchers.

He thanked Türkiye for its support during Somalia’s most difficult periods and for continuing to invest in the country’s future.

“May Allah preserve the friendship between Somalia and Türkiye,” the prime minister said.