Türkiye-Somalia ties deepen with strategic cooperation in various sectors
Somalia’s foreign minister hails Ankara’s mediation efforts and growing role in regional stability
MOGADISHU, Somalia (MNTV) – Relations between Somalia and Türkiye have taken on a strategic dimension in recent years, with expanding cooperation in key areas such as energy, security, and regional diplomacy.
Speaking to Turkish daily Daily Sabah, Somali Foreign Minister Ali Mohammad Omar praised Türkiye’s long standing support for Somalia and underscored the strengthening of bilateral ties.
He said the relations date back to the Ottoman period but saw a new chapter open in 2011 during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s landmark visit amid the country’s devastating famine.
“We value our relations with Türkiye. This is a brotherly relationship based on partnership,” Omar said.
“With investment made in the energy sector, our relations have strengthened. Our cooperation has gained a more strategic dimension.”
In 2023, Türkiye and Somalia signed a significant agreement on hydrocarbon exploration and production, paving the way for Ankara to dispatch its domestically developed seismic research vessel to Somali waters to begin offshore surveys for oil and gas.
The surveys are taking place in three licensed maritime zones under the agreement.
Beyond energy, Türkiye has become a major security partner to Somalia, offering training, infrastructure, and support in the fight against al-Shabab militants.
“Türkiye is experienced in the fight against terrorism. There are things we have to learn from Ankara. Besides, Türkiye also helps in building Somalia’s armed forces,” Omar said.
Türkiye’s largest overseas military training base, inaugurated in Mogadishu in 2017, has since played a key role in rebuilding Somalia’s defense capabilities and remains one of the largest foreign-run military installations in the Horn of Africa.
Mediation in Ethiopia-Somalia dispute
Omar also lauded Türkiye’s mediation efforts in helping Somalia and Ethiopia address long-standing tensions.
Ankara brokered high-level talks between the two nations following a controversial maritime agreement Ethiopia signed with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland in January 2024.
The agreement, which Somalia strongly opposed, would grant Ethiopia access to a port and military facilities on the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence—an offer Mogadishu considers a breach of its sovereignty.
“As Ethiopia and Somalia, we are neighbors and have to have good relations. Yet, historically, we had challenges. Thanks to Türkiye’s mediation, we had the chance to smooth problems,” Omar stated.
Türkiye initiated talks last July, facilitating three rounds of dialogue—two in Ankara and one in New York—before securing a breakthrough in December 2024.
The diplomatic progress drew praise from the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.
As part of the Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Declaration, the two countries agreed to commence technical negotiations by the end of February 2025, with the goal of concluding discussions within four months. The declaration also emphasized abandoning divisive positions in favor of shared prosperity.
“This problem had been continuing for many years and there were obstacles in discussing it face to face. Erdoğan has made this possible,” Omar said.
The trilateral format may convene again at the end of this month, according to Somali officials.
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