Istanbul, Türkiye – Somali Minister for Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, represented Somalia at the Global Transport Corridors Forum, officially inaugurated on Friday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The high-level event, held in Istanbul, brought together delegates from over 70 countries, underscoring a shared commitment to enhancing global transport connectivity and fostering regional cooperation.
Nur’s presence at the forum reflects Somalia’s growing engagement in international infrastructure and trade development initiatives. He participated in key sessions that focused on strengthening maritime linkages, streamlining logistics, and forging strategic partnerships—especially among nations bordering key global sea lanes.
In his inaugural address, President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s role as a pivotal bridge between continents and highlighted the significance of transport corridors in boosting economic integration and sustainable development.
“Transport corridors are not merely roads or railways; they are arteries of global prosperity,” Erdoğan said.
Nur held several sideline discussions with counterparts and stakeholders, including Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu, with whom he explored opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation in port development and logistics. The two countries have enjoyed growing ties in the maritime sector, with Türkiye actively supporting port modernization and training in Somalia.
“Somalia’s geographic location gives it strategic importance in maritime trade. We are committed to building resilient port infrastructure and working with trusted partners like Türkiye to unlock our full economic potential,” said Nur.
The Global Transport Corridors Forum aims to create synergies among governments, private investors, and multilateral organizations to ensure the development of efficient, secure, and environmentally sustainable transport systems worldwide.
For Somalia, participation in such platforms is part of a broader strategy to enhance port capacity, improve connectivity, and contribute to regional stability through infrastructure-led growth.
The forum continues through the weekend with expert panels, project showcases, and ministerial roundtables focused on cross-border logistics, digital trade facilitation, and climate-resilient transport solutions.