Somalia and Türkiye Form Technical Committee for Infrastructure Development

ANKARA: The Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction, and Housing of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. MP Ayub Ismail Yusuf, held a high-level meeting in Ankara with the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The discussions, which took place at the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure headquarters, were attended by senior technicians, engineers, and policy advisors from both nations. The two sides focused on enhancing structural cooperation, accelerating economic infrastructure development, expanding modern housing initiatives, and implementing advanced urban planning and construction quality control frameworks in Somalia.

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu welcomed the Somali delegation, reaffirming Türkiye’s long-term commitment to Somalia’s reconstruction and development agenda. Minister Ayub Ismail Yusuf emphasized the importance of utilizing Türkiye’s advanced engineering methods, technical expertise, and experience with large-scale projects. He proposed a framework for specialized training programs for Somali engineers and public works staff to build local capacity for infrastructure development.

Technical Tour of Turkish Transport Infrastructure

Following the meeting, Minister Ayub Ismail Yusuf toured key state facilities operated by the Turkish government. He was welcomed by the Director General of the Turkish State Highways Authority, who provided a detailed briefing on managing extensive national road networks. The tour included an inspection of major highway projects built through Public-Private Partnership models, where private entities finance, construct, and maintain public roads using electronic toll collection systems. Minister Yusuf also examined central vehicle maintenance and fleet management facilities to study modern logistics and asset management practices.

Turkey has been a key partner in supporting infrastructure development across Somalia, including contributions to the modernization of Mogadishu’s port and airport. The two countries recently reached a comprehensive agreement to expand Mogadishu Port capacity, aiming to enhance trade, increase government revenue, and transform the facility into a modern economic driver. Additionally, Somalia and Türkiye are planning a major overhaul of Aden Adde International Airport as part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity and attract investment.

Joint Technical Committee Established

To expedite these initiatives, the two ministers agreed to immediately establish a Joint Technical Committee. This committee will facilitate inter-ministerial communication, monitor technology transfers, and expedite upcoming joint infrastructure and urban housing projects throughout Somalia. The agreement follows similar institutional frameworks between the two countries, including a recent partnership between Somalia’s National Communications Authority and Türkiye’s BTK to enhance cooperation in electronic communications, cybersecurity, and broadband infrastructure development.

The establishment of the Joint Technical Committee builds on a series of recent high-level engagements between Mogadishu and Ankara. Somalia’s Minister for Ports and Marine Transport previously met with Minister Uraloglu during the 2025 Global Connectivity Forum in Istanbul, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to port modernization and capacity building for Somali maritime professionals. A high-level Turkish delegation later arrived in Mogadishu for further discussions on defense and maritime infrastructure, signaling the strategic weight both countries place on deepening their partnership.

Capacity Building and Training for Somali Professionals

The framework for specialized training programs aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s human capital through international cooperation. Somalia and Türkiye have officially commenced the implementation of a bilateral labor cooperation agreement originally signed in June 2016, with a new two‑year plan focusing on employment generation, vocational training, skills development, and the improvement of occupational safety and health standards.

The Minister’s focus on urban planning and construction quality control comes as Somalia continues to make strides in developing sustainable housing solutions. Somali and global experts recently unveiled innovative low‑cost housing concepts for displaced populations through an initiative organized by the Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the country’s complex housing challenges with locally tailored, sustainable solutions.

Deepening Strategic Partnership

The Ankara meeting further solidifies the expanding strategic partnership between Somalia and Türkiye across multiple sectors. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a strategic summit in Istanbul earlier this year, reaffirming cooperation in national security, economic development, and infrastructure sectors. Somalia and Türkiye recently marked 60 years of diplomatic ties, with both nations pledging to further reinforce cooperation across political, economic, and social domains.

The establishment of the Joint Technical Committee represents a practical mechanism to ensure that high-level political commitments translate into tangible infrastructure outcomes on the ground, bringing Somalia closer to its goals of modern public works and sustainable urban development.