Somali President Attends Ceremony on Turkish Warship, Highlighting Strong Bilateral Ties

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended a ceremony aboard the Turkish TCG Kınalıada Corvette, which docked at the Port of Mogadishu, to mark Türkiye's National Sovereignty and Children's Day on April 23, 2024. The event highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Somalia and Türkiye, particularly in areas of humanitarian aid, security, defense, and economic development.

President Mohamud emphasized the historical significance of the warship's visit, stating it symbolized the enduring fraternal relations between the two nations and marked a new era for Somalia's maritime security. He praised Türkiye as a "friendly and brotherly country" and thanked Ankara for the recently signed defense agreement, under which Türkiye agreed to provide maritime security support to Somalia. "Somalia's navy will now become stronger," Mohamud said.

The Kınalıada F514 arrived in Mogadishu two months after Somalia and Türkiye signed a defense and economic agreement in February 2024. The 10-year pact will "significantly" bolster Somalia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, according to Somali officials. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Türkiye's unwavering support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity during the ceremony.

Why this matters: The event underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Somalia and Türkiye, which has become a key ally in Somalia's efforts to rebuild and strengthen its institutions. Türkiye's support in areas like security, infrastructure, and economic development is crucial for Somalia's stability and progress.

In addition to the defense agreement, it was confirmed that Türkiye will begin drilling for oil off Somalia's coastline from next year, following a new oil and gas deal signed in early March 2024. Türkiye has its largest embassy in Africa in Mogadishu and has also built its largest overseas military facility there to train the Somali national army.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hosted a dinner for Turkish navy officers and commanders aboard the Kınalıada as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. The visit of the Turkish warship and the ceremony attended by President Mohamud demonstrate the strong bond and mutual respect between the two nations, as well as their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. As Mohamud stated, the event symbolizes the ongoing collaboration between Somalia and Türkiye and marks a new chapter in Somalia's maritime security and development.

Key Takeaways

• Somali President attended ceremony marking Turkey-Somalia defense agreement.
• Turkey's warship visit symbolizes strong bilateral relations and maritime security.
• Turkey to provide maritime security support and begin offshore oil drilling in Somalia.
• Turkey has largest embassy in Africa in Mogadishu and built military facility there.
• Event demonstrates strong bond and shared vision for Somalia's development.