By Goth Mohamed Goth
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has stated that the relationship between Somalia and Turkey has entered a new phase grounded in cooperation, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity. He noted that Ankara has stood by Somalia for 15 years, through periods of severe humanitarian, security, and economic challenges.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during an event commemorating the 15th anniversary of the cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey, highlighting that the bilateral relationship has evolved beyond humanitarian support into a strategic partnership spanning multiple sectors.
He emphasized that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Mogadishu in 2011 – at a time when Somalia was facing famine, drought, and insecurity – marked a new chapter in bilateral ties.
“That visit carried a clear message: that Somalia would not be forgotten, and that the Somali people were not alone,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that over the past 15 years, Turkey has supported Somalia across various fields, including humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, economic infrastructure, security, diplomacy, trade, and investment.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that thousands of Somali students have studied in Turkey, later returning home as skilled professionals contributing to various sectors.
On the other hand, he affirmed that Somalia today is vastly different from what it was in 2011, pointing to significant progress made in security, the economy, and diplomacy.
“Somalia in 2026 is not Somalia in 2011. We have traveled a difficult road and come a long way,” he said.
He noted that Somalia has completed the debt relief process, joined the East African Community (EAC), lifted the arms embargo, and been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The Prime Minister stated that the Somali government is aspiring to a new stage based on sustainable development and self-sufficiency, emphasizing that future cooperation between Somalia and Turkey will focus on “mutual benefit and shared prosperity.”
