Türkiye's Ambassador to Somalia Ferhat Alkan said Ankara would continue its support for Somalia in security, development and strengthening institutional capacity.
In a message published Friday on the X account of Türkiye's Embassy in Mogadishu to mark his assumption of office, Alkan announced that he had officially begun his mission in Somalia.
Alkan said he was proud that his appointment coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia and the 15th anniversary of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan's visit to Somalia. He said they aimed to advance relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect, trust and common interests.

Alkan said he had met with a group of Somali youths at a café in Mogadishu. He said the youths expressed their satisfaction with the security and stability experienced in the capital and its surrounding areas in recent years.
Alkan said Türkiye's approach was intended to serve the prosperity of the peoples of both countries and added that the scope of relations with Somalia would be expanded.
Alkan previously served in Afghanistan, Libya, the United States and China. He also held various positions in the Middle East and North Africa departments of Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.