OYAK Partnership to Unlock Somalia’s Marine Potential

Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stated that a historic agreement covering cooperation in the fields of fisheries and the blue economy between the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and OYAK, one of Turkey’s leading institutions, will play a role in unlocking the potential of marine resources and will contribute to reducing poverty.

In a statement shared on his social media account on the U.S.-based platform X, Minister Nur said he was deeply honored to witness the signing ceremony of the agreement.

Emphasizing that this important step reflects the strong partnership and mutual trust between the two sides, Nur underlined that the move is a manifestation of their shared commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation.

Nur said:
“This agreement will play a transformative role in unlocking the potential of our marine resources. It will make a significant contribution to poverty reduction, strengthen the blue economy, create employment opportunities for thousands of our young people, and lay a solid foundation for long-term growth and prosperity.”

Pointing out that this step once again confirms the strong partnership and mutual trust between Somalia and its friendly and brotherly country Turkey, Nur noted that the memorandum is a concrete demonstration of the two countries’ shared commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation.

The agreement signed between OYAK and the Somali Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy will provide the Turkish fisheries sector with access to Somali waters, which are among the richest fishing grounds in the world.

Within the scope of the agreement, in line with the memorandum reached between OYAK and the Somali Fishing Company, the SOMTURK Company was established in Somalia on December 11. SOMTURK will support the Somali Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in managing all licensing processes related to fishing activities within Somalia’s exclusive economic zone.

The agreement is expected to play a transformative role in unlocking the potential of Somalia’s rich marine resources.