ANTALYA, Turkey — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for stronger international cooperation and dialogue during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday as he joined global leaders to discuss pressing global challenges .
President Mohamud said diplomacy remains essential for building trust, strengthening partnerships, and addressing issues related to security, development, and peace .
Somalia’s Growing Role on the Global Stage
The president highlighted Somalia’s growing role on the international stage, including its recent tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its historic assumption of the Council’s rotating presidency in January 2026. Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations organized a prestigious diplomatic reception in New York to celebrate the successful conclusion of its presidency of the UN Security Council, marking the end of Somalia’s historic month-long leadership — a position the country resumed after a 54-year hiatus .
“Heading the world’s primary security organization demonstrates the advancement Somalia has made in reestablishing its legitimate position in the international community,” Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman “Baalle,” Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, stated at the reception .
In a historic milestone for the nation’s diplomatic recovery, Somalia formally assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, signifying Mogadishu’s full reintegration into the heart of global governance and reflecting a newfound international confidence in the federal administration’s institutional capacity .
Bilateral Engagements at the Forum
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has served as a platform for Somalia to engage with multiple world leaders. President Mohamud held a high-level meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the forum, where Abdelatty reiterated Cairo’s firm condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as a “flagrant violation” of international law .
“Stability in Somalia remains critical to the security of the Horn of Africa and is closely linked to Egypt’s national security,” Abdelatty said, underlining Cairo’s pledge to support Mogadishu across military, security, and humanitarian sectors .
President Mohamud also held a bilateral meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut on the sidelines of the forum, exploring ways to strengthen ties between Somalia and Serbia. The two leaders concentrated on increasing diplomatic connections and collaborative efforts in areas of shared interest, demonstrating both nations’ desire to fortify global alliances .
Deepening Strategic Ties with Turkey
Somalia’s participation also reflects its expanding diplomatic outreach in recent months, including deepening strategic ties with Turkey in areas such as security cooperation and energy development, notably the launch of offshore exploration activities backed by Ankara .
President Mohamud officially launched the advanced Turkish offshore drilling vessel Çağrı Bey during a high-level ceremony at the Port of Mogadishu, formally marking the beginning of Somalia’s deep-sea hydrocarbon exploration .
“The Federal Government is committed to responsible and transparent extraction of natural resources for the direct benefit of Somali citizens,” the president said .
Turkey’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deployment of elite troops to Somalia to protect offshore oil exploration operations, specifically targeting the security of the drilling vessel Çağrı Bey. Turkish authorities described this initiative as an enhancement of security collaboration with Somalia, emphasizing the protection of natural resources and personnel engaged in energy initiatives .
Turkey as a Key Partner and Mediator
Turkey has increasingly positioned itself as a key partner and mediator in the Horn of Africa. President Mohamud and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan convened on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to discuss the enduring brotherly ties between Somalia and Türkiye, focusing on deepening cooperation in trade and security, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to accelerating the offensive against international terrorism in Somalia .
Somalia and Ethiopia reached a breakthrough agreement known as the Ankara Declaration following Turkish-mediated talks in December 2025. The two leaders “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who mediated the talks, said he believed the agreement would ensure Ethiopia’s long-desired access to the sea through commercial arrangements such as leases and contracts .
Commitment to Multilateralism
The forum, held annually in Antalya, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, including ongoing efforts to sustain a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and broader instability across the Middle East, making diplomatic engagement a central focus of discussions .
Mogadishu is leveraging such international platforms to strengthen alliances, attract investment, and elevate its role in regional and global diplomacy as it continues its recovery and reform agenda .
President Mohamud reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism and global stability. Ambassador Osman stressed that Somalia’s tenure on the Council was grounded in a commitment to strengthening the rule of law and promoting international cooperation, maintaining that these principles are vital in the current geopolitical environment and reaffirming that Mogadishu remains dedicated to multilateralism as the most effective approach for resolving conflicts .
Somalia’s Diplomatic Momentum
President Mohamud’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum reflects Somalia’s growing engagement on the international stage. President Mohamud has previously called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, emphasizing Africa’s significant contribution to global peace and security while noting that the continent still lacks permanent representation .
The President has urged for unity and persistent diplomacy to achieve meaningful reforms grounded in justice and equality, reaffirming Somalia’s dedication to enhancing and modernizing the international system .
Somalia’s diplomatic outreach in recent months has included deepening strategic ties with Turkey in areas such as security cooperation and energy development, as well as strengthening relations with Egypt, Serbia, and other international partners. This forum provided an opportune setting for Somalia to engage with world leaders and advance its diplomatic objectives .
