Somali Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Abulfattah Qasim Mahmoud alleged that there are “paid individuals” seeking to undermine relations between Türkiye and Somalia.
In an interview with Mogadishu-based Shabelle Media Network, Mahmoud said Türkiye’s support for the Somali people was not new and that relations between the two countries dated back many years.
Emphasis on Türkiye’s support
Mahmoud said Türkiye had supported Somalia during difficult periods and that its contributions to Somalia, which began as humanitarian assistance, had developed into a strategic partnership.
Mahmoud said Türkiye had not arrived in Somalia recently and had not just begun supporting the country. He added that, while various countries were present in Somalia, Türkiye had helped the country overcome its difficult circumstances.
The Somali minister said Türkiye had trained the Somali army and provided support in the economic sphere and public services. Mahmoud also argued that some circles were targeting relations between the two countries.
Cooperation has continued since 2011
Türkiye and the Somali government have maintained multifaceted cooperation since 2011 in the political, social, economic and security fields. This cooperation continues within a partnership framework serving the interests of the peoples of both countries.