The Turkish Grand National Assembly has approved a mandate extending the Turkish Armed Forces’ naval operations in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and surrounding waters for an additional year, starting February 10, 2025.

The decision highlights Türkiye’s commitment to addressing regional security threats, protecting international maritime routes, and further strengthening its deep-rooted partnership with Somalia.

Erzurum MP and Türkiye-Somalia Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Abdurrahim Fırat delivered a comprehensive speech in Parliament prior to the vote, emphasizing the mission’s critical role in combating piracy, terrorism, and other illegal activities in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.

Here is the full speech of AK Party MP, Türkiye-Somalia Friendship Chairman Abdurrahim Fırat.

Mr. Speaker, Esteemed Members of Parliament,

We are gathered here today to discuss the motion regarding the extension of the mission of the Turkish Armed Forces in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, and the Arabian Sea. This motion is not merely about extending a military mission but also reflects Türkiye’s contribution to regional and global security.

As Türkiye, we shoulder significant responsibility for ensuring maritime security, upholding international law, protecting the free flow of maritime trade, and maintaining regional stability. The Gulf of Aden and its surrounding areas are among the most critical points on the global trade routes. A substantial portion of global maritime trade passes through the Red Sea, across the Somali coast, and into the Indian Ocean. However, this region also remains one of the areas most affected by piracy, arms and human trafficking, and the threat of terrorism.

Türkiye is a nation that acts with the vision of contributing to global peace and security. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has moved beyond being a country solely concerned with its own borders to becoming an actor taking responsibility for peace and stability worldwide. Today, the Turkish Armed Forces contribute to international peace missions, play a leading role in humanitarian aid operations, and actively strengthen the security infrastructure of friendly and allied nations.

The Somali and Gulf of Aden region, in particular, constitutes one of the most important areas of Türkiye’s global mission. Somalia is a strategic country, located at the heart of the Horn of Africa and serving as a gateway to the Indian Ocean. However, years of civil war, the threat of terrorism, and a weakened state structure have made Somalia fragile in terms of international security.

The historic visit of our President to Somalia in 2011 marked a new era in Türkiye-Somalia relations. Since then, Türkiye has played a leading role in the reconstruction of Somalia.

Türkiye’s presence in Somalia is not limited to diplomatic relations. From education to healthcare, from infrastructure projects to security cooperation, we continue to stand by the Somali people in numerous areas. Today, hundreds of kilometers of roads, hospitals, and schools have been built in Somalia, and Somali youth have gained the opportunity to study at Turkish universities.

One of the most critical aspects of Somalia’s development is security. Türkiye has established a large military training base in Mogadishu to train and enhance the capacity of the Somali Armed Forces. Somali soldiers trained here provide significant support to the Somali government in its fight against terrorist organizations. Much of the Somali government’s struggle against Al-Shabaab and other terrorist elements is conducted with the military assistance provided by Türkiye.

In addition, the waters off the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden are regions where illegal trafficking activities are widespread. Drug, human, and arms trafficking are among the most significant threats to regional security. The presence of the Turkish Naval Forces in this region serves as a powerful deterrent for the security of both Türkiye and the international community.

Recently, we have also deepened our cooperation with Somalia in the field of energy. The Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed between Türkiye and Somalia represents an important step toward protecting Somalia’s maritime jurisdiction. The operations of Türkiye’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis along the Somali coast will enable Somalia to utilize its natural resources efficiently and contribute significantly to its economic development.

We are closely following the steps taken by Somalia under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the international arena. Somalia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the lifting of the UN arms embargo, and its rejoining of the East African Community demonstrate that Somalia is becoming a stronger actor in the international system. Furthermore, we commend Somalia’s democratization efforts under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Strengthening Somalia’s institutional structure, establishing the rule of law, and adopting an inclusive governance approach are crucial for the country’s sustainable stability and development. As Türkiye, we will continue to support Somalia’s strengthening in every field.

One of the most significant steps Türkiye has taken to support state-building in Somalia is the Ankara Declaration. This historic process, led by our President, has outlined a roadmap for security, political stability, and economic development in the Horn of Africa.

Esteemed Members of Parliament,

The motion we are discussing today reflects Türkiye’s commitment not only to the security mission in the Gulf of Aden but also to the stability of the Horn of Africa, the safety of international maritime trade, and global peace.

For these reasons, the approval of this motion is of great importance for Türkiye’s continued support for global security, the protection of international maritime trade, and our efforts in state-building, counter-terrorism, and combating trafficking in Somalia.

Thank you.