Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the Dolmabahce Presidential Office Tuesday for crucial bilateral talks, reinforcing Ankara’s firm backing of Mogadishu’s sovereignty.
The summit follows Israel’s groundbreaking decision last week to become the first UN member to recognise Somaliland’s independence — a move Turkey slammed as unlawful.
New Agreements Signed
The leaders inked several major pacts covering:
- Offshore Oil Exploration: Turkey’s Oruç Reis vessel finished surveying 4,465 square kilometres of Somali waters; drilling starts in 2026
- Space Launch Facility: Plans for a new spaceport in the Horn of Africa, with construction already underway
- Security Cooperation: Erdogan pledged continued help in Somalia’s battle against terrorism and efforts to maintain national unity
Stand Against Somaliland Recognition
Erdogan called Israel’s action an attempt to sow instability in the region. “Turkey will always defend our Somali brothers’ territorial wholeness,” he said at a joint press conference.
Mohamud thanked Ankara for its steadfast support during the sovereignty challenge.
Broader Regional Role
Turkey hosts its largest foreign military base in Mogadishu, training Somalia’s Gorgor commandos against Al-Shabaab. Earlier this year, Ankara mediated between Somalia and Ethiopia over the latter’s sea-access deal involving Somaliland.
The visit highlights Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa through investment, defence and diplomacy.
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