Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stated, “Türkiye’s continuous support for the modernization of our transit points has enabled us to reimagine what is possible for our economy, our regional role, and our people.” He made these remarks in a written statement to Anadolu Agency (AA) while attending the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), held at the NEST Congress Center in Belek Tourism Region, where AA is the Global Communication Partner.

Nur noted that the world is going through a period of international disruption, with weakening global norms and growing skepticism toward multilateral institutions. “Conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and inequality no longer respect borders. These are now global issues requiring shared responsibility,” he stated.

Emphasizing that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum stands out as a timely and inspiring platform to reimagine diplomacy in a fragmented world, Nur added that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the ADF not only provides a space for dialogue but also demonstrates a renewed commitment to inclusive, humanitarian, and forward-looking multilateralism.

He highlighted that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s participation in the 4th edition of the ADF reflects Somalia’s strong commitment to this vision and also demonstrates the strength of Somalia-Türkiye relations, which are built on shared values, mutual trust, and a joint determination to build resilient and peaceful societies.

“The personal closeness and strategic alignment between our two presidents have laid the groundwork for a partnership that extends far beyond the bilateral level,” Nur said. “This partnership presents a model of cooperation based on dignity, solidarity, and development.”

This year’s ADF theme, “Advancing Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” aligns closely with Somalia’s journey, he said, adding that after decades of conflict and hardship, Somalia has learned that sustainable peace is built through dialogue. “Somalia knows the power of diplomacy—because thanks to partners like Türkiye, we’ve experienced firsthand what it means to be heard, supported, and empowered,” Nur noted.

He pointed out that the ADF brings together not only world leaders but also youth, academics, civil society, and businesspeople—and that Somalia is determined to contribute to the evolving global dialogue to shape a more just world order.

Türkiye-Somalia Partnership

Calling Türkiye-Somalia relations one of the most enduring and exemplary partnerships in Africa, Nur said it is rooted in historic ties, reinforced by trust, and shaped by a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and regional leadership.

Since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s groundbreaking visit to Mogadishu in 2011, the relationship has evolved beyond humanitarian aid into a comprehensive partnership that includes state-building, security, economic resilience, and infrastructural transformation, he said. At the core of this partnership lies a belief in mutual respect and shared sovereignty—not dependency.

Nur highlighted the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed on February 8, 2024, as a key milestone encompassing joint efforts in maritime security, counterterrorism, and national defense capacity-building.

He added that the offshore oil exploration agreement and onshore hydrocarbon exploration agreement signed between the two countries represent a major step toward Somalia’s energy independence, with Türkiye playing the role of a trusted partner and strategic investor.

“These agreements are not just economic contracts,” Nur emphasized. “They are declarations of intent that reflect how two brotherly nations can transform the future together.”

He described Türkiye’s contributions to Somalia’s port infrastructure, maritime vocational training, and institutional development as pillars of a broader vision—to transform Somalia into a logistics and trade hub for East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.

Highlighting that maritime ties between Turks and Somalis date back to the Ottoman Empire, Nur noted that this shared past reflects their long-standing bond. “Somalia’s geostrategic location at the crossroads of global trade routes means our ports are not only national assets but also vital international links,” he said.

“Türkiye’s ongoing support for the modernization of these transit points has empowered us to reimagine what’s possible—for our economy, our regional role, and our people.”