The Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, delivered remarks at the opening of the "Panel on Türkiye-Somalia Relations Amid Global Transformation," organised by the Directorate of Communications.
Beginning his speech by congratulating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, Duran stated that he believes this relationship—grounded in a deep-rooted brotherhood—will be carried forward into the future with even greater strength.
Head of Communications Duran noted that bilateral relations had acquired a multidimensional and profound character, particularly following the “Africa Initiative,” launched in 2005 under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Recalling President Erdoğan’s 2011 visit to Somalia, Duran stated that the visit—which resonated globally and addressed long-standing international neglect—was followed by the implementation of a comprehensive mobilisation of solidarity.
Duran further underlined that Türkiye had, for a long period in the past, been unable to devote adequate attention to Africa due to various oversights, but that with the transformation initiated under President Erdoğan’s leadership, foreign policy has shifted away from this problematic perspective, making Africa one of its principal areas of engagement.
In his post, Head of Communications Duran noted:
"As Türkiye, we support the economic development and capacity-building needs of African countries. In addition, we support the security and stability of African nations and encourage bilateral cooperation in the defence industry. As a potential third dimension, we assume a facilitating or mediating role, leveraging the trust placed in Türkiye to address conflicts emerging in the region. In addition to these efforts, we collaborate with regional organisations across the continent and strive to coordinate with African countries on global issues, viewing the continent as one of the centres of gravity that will shape the ongoing transformation of the international system.”
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran noted that, thanks to the strong and effective leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has enhanced its standing on the continent and established relations with African partners based on equality and mutual understanding.
“We approach our relations with a win–win understanding”
Drawing attention to the fact that Türkiye’s presence in Africa today disturbs many states with differing ambitions, Head of Communications Duran continued:
"These states persist in the mistake of viewing the African continent as a playground for great powers. As if it were not enough that they depict this vast continent as much smaller than it truly is on physical maps, they also circulate, in the field of communication, a narrative centred on crisis and chaos, ignoring all the continent’s beauty, richness and potential. Our approach is fundamentally different. A narrow reading of Africa fails to capture the continent’s real narrative. Africa is a continent of ancient civilisations, unparalleled natural beauty, and rich cultural diversity. With its young and dynamic population, its resource wealth, and its steps toward regional integration, Africa is becoming one of the new centres of attraction in the global economy. It is precisely for this reason that we approach our relations with Africa based on equality, mutual respect, and a win-win understanding. This is the most important factor that distinguishes us from other countries and brings Africa closer to us.”
Emphasising their commitment to collaboration across multiple sectors—including investment, trade, technology, education, infrastructure, and the defence industry—Head of Communications Duran stated, "We believe that Africa’s rise represents a significant opportunity, not only for the continent itself but also for advancing a fairer and more balanced international order on a global scale."
Head of Communications Duran indicated that for world powers to attempt to forge a future while neglecting Africa constitutes an enormous strategic mistake, highlighting that it is a source of great pride for Türkiye to hold a cherished place in the hearts of African nations and peoples.
"We will continue to act in everyone's best interest"
Pointing out that Türkiye’s image in Africa is founded not only on long-standing historical ties but also on its principled stance, Head of Communications Duran stated, "I believe this bridge of goodwill, founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and justice, will represent hope and a prosperous future, both in Somalia and throughout Africa."
Head of Communications Duran highlighted that Türkiye, which advocates peace, stability, and prosperity for all and is recognised as a trusted mediator across regions, will continue to act in the best interests of everyone, including in Africa.
Noting that President Erdoğan hosted the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia in Türkiye in December 2024, Head of Communications Duran underscored that the Ankara Declaration signed during the visit stands as the clearest testament to Türkiye’s peaceful engagement with Africa.
Citing Türkiye's recognition as a strategic partner of the African Union and President Erdoğan's official visits to 31 African countries, Head of Communications Duran noted that bilateral trade volume has grown from $5 billion to around $40 billion over the past two decades.
"Türkiye-Somalia relations are much stronger today"
Head of Communications Duran stated that Türkiye's institutions and organisations are working tirelessly to implement inclusive policies in Africa and highlighted that they are striving to meet the needs of the region's people through aid, education and healthcare initiatives, while laying the groundwork for economic recovery on the continent through investments.
Head of Communications Duran stated:
"We approach Türkiye–Somalia relations, reinforced by strong humanitarian, historical and cultural ties, based on multifaceted cooperation. This is not a fleeting collaboration; it is enduring. Any attempt that targets Somalia’s sovereignty, unity or territorial integrity, or that seeks to legitimise such actions, can never be accepted. Türkiye stands by Somalia today as it did in the past. We will never disregard attempts to impose division on Somalia, and as a matter of principle, we will not back down from this stance.
For this reason, we are clearly and unequivocally opposed to Israel's move to recognise Somaliland. We reject any attempt by Israel to extend its campaign of genocide in Palestine and its aggressive regional policies into the Horn of Africa, and we will not tolerate such actions. In this context, I would like to reiterate our steadfast commitment to supporting Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The fate of the Horn of Africa should be determined not by impositions but by peace and stability."
Pointing out that Türkiye ranks among the countries cooperating most extensively with Somalia, Head of Communications Duran stated that in the future, they aim to deepen the Türkiye-Somalia partnership not only in existing areas but also across a wide range of fields, from maritime affairs to food security, renewable energy to digital transformation, education to health, and logistics and investments.
Head of Communications Duran stated that their aim is to contribute to the shared prosperity of the two countries through projects that build on-the-ground capacity and strengthen Somalia's institutional capabilities.
Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, delivered opening remarks ahead of the panel titled “Türkiye–Somalia Relations Amid Global Transformation,” organised by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications.
Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Nur, speaks at the "Türkiye-Somalia Relations" panel
During his address, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Nur, extended his condolences to the family of Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat, who was martyred in the crash of an F-16 fighter jet in Balıkesir.
Expressing his gratitude to the Directorate of Communications for organising the event on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, Nur said, "We may be commemorating the 60th anniversary of our modern diplomatic relations, but we all know that Turkish–Somali relations are far more deeply rooted. Our bond is not merely 60 years old; it is grounded in nearly 600 years of brotherhood.”
Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur noted that Türkiye was among the first countries to recognise Somalia when it declared independence on 1 July 1960, stating, “We Somalis have always regarded Türkiye as a true friend that stood by us in difficult times and supported our struggle throughout history.”
Noting that official diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1960, Nur stated,
"During the Cold War years, our diplomatic relations continued. However, they largely remained within an official framework and did not fully reflect their potential. Global dynamics were restrictive, distances were great, and opportunities were limited. Yet the historical bond between us never weakened. Our brotherhood endured regardless of circumstances. The real transformation began in August 2011. Türkiye, at that time, not only showed diplomatic interest in Somalia. With a sense of shared destiny, it took action on the ground. On 19 August 2011, then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Mogadishu, when the international community had turned its back on Somalia and would not even mention its name. This visit was not just a state visit. It was a declaration of will that changed the course of history. He went to a place deemed inaccessible. He brought hope to the place considered irredeemable.
"Türkiye did not merely speak from a distance; it worked on the ground."
Minister Nur highlighted that President Erdoğan regarded solidarity with Somalia as a moral obligation, saying, "He demonstrated the will to revive Somalia and kept his word."
Stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV), and countless non-governmental organisations took action on the ground in Somalia, Nur said, "Türkiye did not merely speak from a distance; it worked on the ground."
Alluding to the embassy Türkiye opened in Mogadishu, Nur stated that it is largely due to the "bold steps" taken by Türkiye at the time that many embassies are now able to operate in Somalia.
Nur expressed that with the defence and economic cooperation framework agreement signed between Somalia and Türkiye on 8 February 2024, relations between the two countries have been elevated to an "irreversible strategic partnership level", saying, "We are now talking not only about assistance but also about joint production, security, and development." Our cooperation is deepening in a wide range of areas, from aerospace cooperation to energy, from fisheries to ports, and from military training to security."
Somalian Minister Nur noted that with the 2024 framework agreement, his country and Türkiye not only strengthened bilateral relations but also declared a shared vision for the future, saying, "This strategy will contribute not only to the two countries but to all humanity, especially the Islamic world. Because we are not just two states. We are two nations that share a common history, values, and a sense of appreciation.
Minister Nur expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia for their decisive leadership in Somalia's historical transformation.
Somalia's Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Jama, speaks at the "Türkiye-Somalia Relations" panel
Somalia's Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Jama, stated that the relations between Türkiye and Somalia are not limited to aid but also include a strategic partnership.
Jama pointed out that the relations between the two countries have a deep history, saying, "Türkiye touches the hearts of Somalis. As officials, we also feel Türkiye's friendly hand. We have felt it throughout history. Türkiye has been an important friend for Somalia throughout history."
Highlighting the significance of President Erdoğan's visit to Somalia in 2011, Daud Aweis Jama went on to say,
"Not only Erdoğan's participation but also the courage he showed and the message he sent resonated worldwide. Because Somalia had been isolated. However, President Erdoğan visited Somalia without any hesitation, taking a risk. He showed that his approach was not merely empty rhetoric. This eventually evolved into a multifaceted partnership."
Jama noted that over the past 50 years, the relations between the two countries have advanced to the level of a strategic partnership, emphasising their cooperation in diverse areas, including the economy, maritime affairs, energy, and humanitarian assistance.
Türkiye-Somalia Cooperation
Daud Aweis Jama underscored that Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, stating, "Türkiye and Somalia are striving to ensure this coastline does not turn into a source of vulnerability but instead becomes a zone that generates prosperity."
Jama highlighted that Türkiye’s expertise in airport development, its support in building hospitals, and its initiatives within the energy sector hold significant importance for Somalia.
Indicating that the two countries maintain substantial cooperation in extracting both onshore and offshore resources, Jama added that new projects in deep-sea research are set to be launched this year.
Minister Jama noted that, given the Horn of Africa’s critical role in maritime trade and its position at the heart of major economic corridors, the region has turned into a focal point where strategic and political interests intersect.
Accordingly, highlighting the significance of Türkiye’s position in safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity, Jama stated, "Only a week ago, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that he rejected Israel’s attempt to recognise Somaliland. This demonstrates the importance Türkiye attaches to Somalia’s peace and stability. It shows that the strategic partnership reinforces our relations and deepens our friendship."
Minister Jama stated that relations between the two countries are advancing with the aim of improving Somalia’s conditions, boosting its prosperity, and strengthening its international standing, and said, "I hope that Türkiye-Somalia ties will continue to evolve in this direction and advance toward shared prosperity."
Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran shared a post on his NSosyal account regarding the panel.
Head of Communications Fahrettin Duran shared the following remarks in a statement:
“As the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, I hope that our panel titled ‘Türkiye–Somalia Relations amid Global Transformation’ will yield beneficial outcomes.
Our relations with Somalia gained a multidimensional and profound character, particularly following the ‘African Initiative ' launched in 2005 under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Africa has always been an integral and indispensable part of the lands, dear to our hearts, in historical and cultural terms.
Türkiye–Somalia relations, reinforced by strong humanitarian, historical and cultural ties, are today advancing on a much firmer and more resilient foundation.
Any attempt targeting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity — or seeking to legitimise such actions — is absolutely unacceptable.
We are openly and unequivocally opposed to Israel’s initiative to recognise Somaliland. We will not turn a blind eye to Israel’s attempt to carry its ongoing genocide in Palestine and its aggression toward regional politics into the Horn of Africa. The destiny of the Horn of Africa will be shaped not by impositions but by peace and stability.
On this occasion, I congratulate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia and sincerely believe that this exceptional relationship, rooted in a deep brotherhood, will continue to grow stronger on the basis of mutual trust and a shared vision.
I would like to extend my thanks to Daud Aweis Jama, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport of the Federal Republic of Somalia; our esteemed guests; and all those who contributed to the organisation of our panel.”
