Ankara, Türkiye – Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, held talks with Türkiye’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, on Friday as part of his official visit to the country.
Nur described the meeting as “very fruitful,” noting that discussions focused on strengthening the historic friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara.
“We had a very fruitful meeting with Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of Interior of our friendly and brotherly country, the Republic of Türkiye. During our talks, we discussed steps to further strengthen the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye. I would like to thank the Minister for his warm hospitality,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
The meeting reflects the continued expansion of Somali-Turkish relations, which span security, trade, infrastructure, and education. Türkiye has long been a key partner for Somalia, providing support in rebuilding state institutions and investing in long-term development projects.
Nur’s visit to Türkiye also carries a personal dimension. Years before his appointment to government, Nur studied in Türkiye on a scholarship offered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). He first undertook Turkish language training and later graduated from Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Science, majoring in International Relations.
Observers note that such educational and personal ties underscore the depth of the bilateral relationship, which has evolved into one of Somalia’s most strategic partnerships. The latest ministerial-level engagement is expected to pave the way for broader cooperation in governance, port development, and regional security.