Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran sent a video message to a seminar held in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, titled “A new era in Türkiye-Somalia relations: Trust, cooperation and strategic partnership.”
Duran said Israel’s attempts to establish spheres of influence in the region through Somaliland and open new fronts of instability violate the fundamental principles of international law and directly threaten Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Saying that Türkiye stands by Somalia in the face of these threats, Duran stated that Somalia’s political unity and sovereignty are non-negotiable principles for Türkiye.
Emphasis on strategic partnership in Türkiye-Somalia relations
Duran said relations between Türkiye and Somalia have deep roots, adding that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Mogadishu in 2011 gave the relationship a new dimension.
Duran said the hand of friendship Türkiye extended to Somalia through that visit laid the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that cooperation covers development, security, the economy and institutional capacity-building. He said 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding further significance to the strategic partnership.
Duran argued that Türkiye’s policy toward Africa is fundamentally different from the coercive approach imposed by powers with colonial histories. Saying that they reject interpreting Africa’s future through Western-centered Orientalist frameworks, Duran stated that they embrace the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
Emphasis on mediation in the Ankara Declaration
Duran said Türkiye supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under all circumstances. He said the Ankara Declaration signed by Somalia and Ethiopia on December 12, 2024, was a strong sign of support for regional peace and of Türkiye’s mediation capacity.
Duran argued that Türkiye’s stance supporting peace, stability and prosperity in the region has caused discomfort in some circles. Saying that systematic disinformation campaigns have recently intensified in international media and on digital platforms, Duran stated that the relations between Türkiye and Somalia, based on trust, solidarity and transparency, will continue to thwart these efforts.
Cooperation in education, security and the economy
Duran said Türkiye approaches its relations with Somalia from the perspective of strengthening state capacity and promoting shared prosperity. He said the Turksom training base, defense and maritime security agreements, and the Oruç Reis vessel conducting seismic surveys in Somali waters are symbols of cooperation between the two countries.
Duran said the Çağrı Bey vessel is carrying out deep-sea drilling operations, while the spaceport project and institutionalized fisheries agreements are also strengthening Somalia’s economic capacity and technological independence. He said the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Turkish Red Crescent, the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, and various civil society organizations are carrying out work in Somalia.
The Turksom Academy was established in Somalia in 2017 and has contributed to the training of Somali military personnel. Duran also said that Türkiye and Somalia are producing together and growing stronger together, expressing hope that the seminar would further advance cooperation between the two countries.
