Türkiye and Somalia: A Brotherhood of Destiny, Not Just Diplomacy

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktaş, described the relationship between Türkiye and Somalia as a “brotherhood of destiny”, emphasizing that traditional diplomatic definitions are no longer sufficient to capture the depth of ties between the two nations.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Aktaş explained:

“When we look at the relations between Ankara and Mogadishu, we have reached the conclusion that they can no longer be explained with classical definitions. That is why we now prefer to define our relations as a brotherhood of destiny.”

Role of Turkish Alumni in Somalia

Aktaş underlined the significant role played by Somali graduates of universities in Türkiye. He noted that the Somali Türkiye Alumni Association already has around 500 registered members in Mogadishu alone, actively contributing to every sector of the country.

“Thanks to scholarships provided by various Turkish institutions, particularly YTB, these graduates return to Somalia to serve their nation, which is a tremendous gain for all of us,” he said.

Oruç Reis and Future Space Cooperation

Highlighting recent cooperation projects, Aktaş recalled that Türkiye’s Oruç Reis vessel had conducted research in Somali waters for nine months, gathering valuable data now being studied by experts in Türkiye. He also mentioned ongoing plans for a joint space base project, supported by both Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Somalia as a Strategic Hub

Ambassador Aktaş stressed that major global and regional actors are already present in Somalia, making it a highly strategic country in international relations. Türkiye, he noted, is contributing to Somalia’s future under the principle of “win-win.”

Expanding Cooperation in Every Sector

Aktaş reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-term commitment:

“We will continue to support Somalia in every field — from health, culture, technology, and security to space technology, capacity-building, investments, and trade. In a sense, every institution, agency, and ministry of Türkiye has a miniature version here in Somalia.”

He also emphasized Somalia’s untapped potential, especially its 3,330 km-long coastline, the longest in Africa, which could transform the country into a powerhouse in the blue economy and fisheries.

Investments and Business Opportunities

Pointing to increasing interest from companies in Türkiye, Aktaş said:

“With recent progress in Somalia’s security sector, many Turkish businesspeople and umbrella organizations have visited Somalia. We expect our investments to grow further in the coming period.”

While acknowledging the challenges Somalia has faced over the past two decades, he urged business leaders in Türkiye to seize opportunities early:

“Somalia has immense potential. Our business community would greatly benefit from investing here sooner rather than later.”

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