Somalia, Turkey Expand Media and Cultural Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Turkey have moved to strengthen cooperation in media modernization, cultural exchange and tourism promotion following talks in Mogadishu between Information Minister Abdifitah Qasim Mahmoud and Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktas.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Somali and Turkish media institutions through technical support, professional training and joint initiatives aimed at improving Somalia’s broadcasting sector and media infrastructure.

The planned cooperation is expected to support Somali journalists and media professionals through specialized training programs in digital broadcasting, investigative journalism and modern media production techniques.

The talks also explored ways to promote Somalia’s cultural heritage and tourism sector, particularly along the country’s coastline, as the government seeks to create new economic opportunities linked to culture and tourism development.

Minister Mohamud said Turkey remained an important partner in Somalia’s reconstruction and institutional reform efforts, highlighting Ankara’s role in supporting development projects and public sector capacity-building.

Both sides said stronger cooperation in media and information sharing could also help improve Somalia’s international image and counter misinformation.

Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest allies over the past decade, investing heavily in infrastructure, education, humanitarian assistance and security cooperation, while maintaining a significant diplomatic and economic presence in the Horn of Africa nation.