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| Foto:A Meeting of Strategic Allies |
VISTOEBELITUNG.COM,ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE – In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye met with the visiting President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, at the historic Presidential Dolmabahçe Office in Istanbul. The meeting underscored the profound and multifaceted strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on regional stability, development cooperation, and mutual security interests.
The talks between President @RTErdogan and President Mohamud are seen as a continuation of Türkiye's steadfast commitment to Somalia's sovereignty, stability, and development. Türkiye has been a key ally for Somalia, providing extensive humanitarian aid, infrastructure investment, and military training support for over a decade. The Dolmabahçe Office, a symbol of Ottoman and modern Turkish political heritage, provided a fitting backdrop for discussions aimed at deepening this long-term alliance.
Key Agenda Points From Development to Regional Security
While the official agenda was comprehensive, several key areas likely dominated the conversation:
1. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development: Türkiye's involvement in Somalia is perhaps most visible in its development projects. From building hospitals and schools to critical infrastructure, Turkish agencies like TIKA have been instrumental. The leaders likely reviewed ongoing projects and discussed new avenues for cooperation in education, health, and state-building.
2. Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism: With Somalia facing ongoing challenges from extremist groups, security collaboration remains a pillar of the relationship. Türkiye's training of Somali National Army forces and its military base in Mogadishu are central to this effort. The discussions undoubtedly addressed enhancing this cooperation to ensure regional stability.
3. Economic Partnerships and Trade: Exploring ways to boost bilateral trade, Turkish investment in Somalia, and support for Somali economic institutions were also on the table. This includes potential collaborations in agriculture, fisheries, and energy.
4. Diplomatic Coordination on Regional Issues: The leaders exchanged views on broader Horn of Africa dynamics and international forums, aligning their diplomatic efforts for peace and cooperation in the region.
The choice of the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office for this summit is noteworthy. More than just a working office, Dolmabahçe Palace represents a bridge between Türkiye's imperial past and its modern republican era. Hosting President Mohamud here signifies the high level of respect and the strategic importance Türkiye attaches to its relationship with Somalia. It reflects a partnership built on historical empathy, shared future visions, and mutual trust.
This meeting reinforces Türkiye's unique role in Somalia, often described as a model of South-South cooperation. Unlike traditional donor-recipient dynamics, the Türkiye-Somalia partnership is framed around solidarity, mutual benefit, and capacity-building. President Erdogan's personal engagement and Türkiye's consistent "Africa Opening" policy have made it one of the most influential and trusted external actors in Mogadishu.
The Istanbul talks between Presidents Erdogan and Mohamud are expected to result in further consolidated efforts in all areas of cooperation. As both nations navigate complex regional landscapes, their strengthened alliance stands as a testament to a partnership that contributes significantly to humanitarian relief, security, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
The outcome of this high-level dialogue is anticipated to pave the way for new agreements and initiatives, further cementing an alliance that has become a cornerstone of stability and progress for Somalia and a key element of Türkiye's forward-looking foreign policy.