MOGADISHU — Somalia and Turkey celebrated a major diplomatic milestone on Wednesday, marking the 60th anniversary of formal relations between the two nations. The occasion was highlighted by simultaneous high-level engagements in both Mogadishu and Ankara, underscoring the depth of their strategic alliance.
Strategic Discussions in Mogadishu
In the Somali capital, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed a Turkish delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, H.E. Durmuş Ünüvar, to his residence on Wednesday evening.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in critical sectors, including port management, maritime transport, security, and energy. Prime Minister Barre emphasized the importance of the historic partnership, expressing profound gratitude for Turkey’s investments in reconstructing Somalia’s economic infrastructure.
“Turkey has stood by Somalia during critical times, especially when foreign entities attempted to interfere with our unity and sovereignty,” the Prime Minister noted.
Deputy Minister Ünüvar reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to accelerating joint development projects aimed at boosting economic growth. The meeting was attended by Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş. As a symbol of goodwill, the delegation presented the Prime Minister with a gift inscribed with Quranic verses.
Anniversary Ceremony in Ankara
Simultaneously in Ankara, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia organized a special ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two states.
Hosted by Somali Ambassador Fathudin Ali, the event attracted a notable assembly of participants, including members of the Turkish parliament, high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the diplomatic corps.
Speakers at the gathering highlighted the profound historical connections between the nations, pledging to further reinforce cooperation across political, economic, and social domains.
