Somalia lauds Turkey’s role to help Somalia

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has commended Turkey for its role to help the Horn of Africa country’s rebuilding process.

“Turkey’s prominent role in Somalia can be seen at all levels: humanitarian, infrastructure, health and investment,” said Mohamud.

Mohamud said Turkey leaders in 2011 showed the world that Somalia was secure.

“I am not exaggerating if I say that the historic visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Somalia in 2011 was a turning point in the evolution of security and stability in the country,” he said.

The president noted Turkey is a historical key partner for Somalia as Turkey stood with Somalia at a time when it was ignored by the whole world.

“Turkey drew the world’s attention on Somalia and the Somali people respect and appreciate the Turkish government and the Turkish people as well.” Mohamud noted.

Since 2011, Erdogan visited Somalia three times, including a trip last month to Mogadishu where he inaugurated what was said to be the largest Turkish Embassy in the world.

Through its international cooperation unit TIKA, Ankara has implemented successful development projects to help Mogadishu’s  reconstruction.

Turkey has also refurbished Mogadishu’s sea and airport and has built schools and hospitals as well as roads in Mogadishu. Several thousand Somalis are studying in Turkish schools under sponsorship by charities.