Somalia and Turkey have reaffirmed their deepening strategic partnership, focusing on maritime development, port infrastructure and strengthened naval capacity to unlock economic growth and regional stability.
By Jarryd Sinovich
In a high-level meeting in Ankara, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to cement cooperation that aims to revive Somalia’s maritime sector — seen as a vital driver for job creation and expanded trade in the Horn of Africa.
Turkey’s role is expected to be pivotal, with plans to modernise and build critical port facilities that will boost Somalia’s position in regional commerce. This builds on the sweeping Framework Agreement on Defence and Economic Cooperation signed in early 2024, which charts a path for Somalia to rebuild its naval capacity and tighten maritime security with Turkish training and support.
Minister Nur called Turkey “a trusted partner” with shared interests in helping Somalia chart a sustainable course for economic recovery. The two nations have already collaborated on major reconstruction efforts, security reforms and development programmes that link defence cooperation with long-term economic ambitions.
With new agreements on the table, Somalia is looking to the sea as a cornerstone of its future — anchored by its expanding alliance with Turkey.
