Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud begins an official visit to Turkey on Tuesday at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This visit comes at a crucial time, reflecting the deepening bilateral relations between Mogadishu and Ankara. The two leaders are scheduled to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, particularly security and economic issues of mutual interest.
Dimensions of the visit and the historical context of relations
This visit cannot be viewed as a mere protocol event; rather, it is a continuation of a long-standing strategic partnership that began to take on a new and distinct form in 2011. In that year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a historic visit to Somalia, breaking decades of international isolation and drawing global attention to the humanitarian suffering of the Somali people due to famine. Since then, the relationship has evolved from simply providing humanitarian aid to a comprehensive development partnership encompassing infrastructure, education, and health.
Security and military cooperation: a pillar of stability
Security issues feature prominently in the talks between the two presidents, given Turkey's pivotal role in rebuilding the Somali National Army. Mogadishu hosts Turkey's largest military base outside of Anatolia (Türksom base), from which thousands of Somali soldiers and officers have graduated, including the elite Gurgur forces. These forces are at the forefront of the Somali government's fight against the extremist group al-Shabaab, making Turkish support essential for restoring security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Economic and geopolitical importance
On the economic front, relations are witnessing remarkable growth, with Turkish companies operating vital facilities in Somalia such as Mogadishu's international airport and the capital's port, contributing to increased government revenue and stimulating trade. The Somali president's visit underscores his country's desire to attract further Turkish investment and explore new opportunities in the energy and natural resources sectors.
Regionally, the visit is of particular importance given the tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Somalia views Turkey as a reliable ally and a supporter of its sovereignty and territorial integrity in international forums. The bilateral summit is expected to result in the signing of new agreements or the activation of existing ones aimed at solidifying the strategic alliance between the two countries. This will enhance Turkey's influence as an active international player in Africa and support Somalia's efforts in state-building and institution-building.
