Communications Director Duran sent a video message to the panel titled "A New Era in Türkiye-Somalia Relations: Trust, Cooperation and Strategic Partnership," held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Duran said relations between Türkiye and Somalia were rooted in a long-standing history. He stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Mogadishu in 2011 had added a new dimension to relations between the two countries.
Duran said the hand of friendship extended by Türkiye to Somalia had formed the foundation of a comprehensive strategic partnership, adding that relations had evolved into an integrated framework encompassing development, security, the economy and institutional capacity-building. Duran said 2026 carried particular significance as it marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Türkiye's approach to Africa
Duran argued that Türkiye's foreign policy approach toward Africa differed from the domineering attitudes of powers with colonial pasts. He said African solutions should be found for Africa's problems, adding that Türkiye-Somalia relations focused on permanently strengthening institutional capacity rather than temporary solutions.
In this context, Duran said the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Turkish Red Crescent, the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, and various civil society organizations continued their work in Somalia. He added that many Somali young people were pursuing higher education in Türkiye.
Emphasis on Somalia's sovereignty
Stating that the Horn of Africa faced multifaceted challenges, Duran argued that Israel's efforts to establish a sphere of influence in the region through Somaliland and open up new areas of instability violated the fundamental principles of international law. Duran said these efforts posed a threat to Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Türkiye supported Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Duran said Somalia's territorial integrity, political unity and sovereignty could not be the subject of any geopolitical bargain. He said the Ankara Declaration demonstrated Türkiye's support for regional peace and its capacity for mediation.
Duran claimed that some circles were disturbed by Türkiye's stance in favor of regional peace, stability and prosperity, and argued that systematic disinformation campaigns had increased in international media and digital platforms. Duran said relations between Türkiye and Somalia, based on mutual trust, fraternity and transparency, would render these efforts ineffective.
Areas of cooperation
Duran said Türkiye viewed its relations with Somalia within the framework of strengthening state capacity and advancing shared prosperity. He stated that the TURKSOM Military Training Base, defense and maritime security agreements, and the Oruç Reis ship, which conducts seismic research in Somali waters, were among the symbols of cooperation between the two countries.
Duran said that, alongside the Çağrı Bey ship, which conducts deep-sea drilling operations, the spaceport project and institutionalized fisheries agreements were also steps aimed at strengthening Somalia's economic capacity and technological independence. He added that Türkiye and Somalia were producing together and growing stronger.
Duran said he expected the panel organized by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications to contribute to the cooperation vision between the two countries and further strengthen Türkiye-Somalia relations.
