Somalia, Turkey Reaffirm Strategic Ties as Ambassador Alper Aktaş Ends Mission

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Turkey have reaffirmed their close diplomatic ties as Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş prepares to leave Mogadishu at the end of his assignment.

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali met Aktaş at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday during a farewell visit marking the conclusion of the ambassador’s diplomatic mission in Somalia.

The two officials discussed the longstanding relationship between Somalia and Turkey and cooperation between the two countries across several areas.

Ali thanked Aktaş for his work during his tenure and for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara.

The minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining the close ties between the two countries and further expanding bilateral cooperation.

Aktaş, who is completing his diplomatic duties in Somalia, is expected to take up other responsibilities following the end of his posting. Ali wished him success in his future assignments.

Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s most important international partners, with bilateral cooperation extending beyond diplomacy into security, development, humanitarian assistance and economic ties.

The relationship has deepened significantly over the past decade, with Turkey maintaining a strong presence in Somalia through development projects, humanitarian programmes and security cooperation.

The latest meeting comes as the two countries continue to expand their cooperation in areas including security and defence, infrastructure, trade and the development of Somalia’s maritime and economic sectors.

The farewell meeting underscored the continuity of the relationship, with both sides signalling an interest in preserving and strengthening the strategic partnership beyond the ambassador’s departure.