Doha (KAAB TV) – Somalia’s Minister of Labor met with his Turkish counterpart to strengthen bilateral cooperation in labor and social development.
The primary focus of the meeting was to finalize a comprehensive cooperation agreement that had previously received approval from the Somali Council of Ministers in July 2025.
The agreement marks a milestone in the growing partnership between Somalia and Turkey, with an emphasis on mutual development goals and capacity building in the labor sector.
Agreement to Promote Employment and Workforce Development
The forthcoming agreement aims to stimulate job creation in Somalia, broaden employment opportunities for Somali youth, and strengthen the country’s institutional capacity in workforce planning and labor administration.
It also emphasizes the development of labor market policies, vocational training systems, and technical cooperation in areas such as social protection and occupational safety.
Once finalized, the official signing ceremony is expected to take place in Turkey in the near future, marking the formal commencement of a multi-year cooperation framework.
Launch of Specialized Training Programs for Somali Labor Officials
A key outcome of the meeting was the joint agreement to launch specialized training and capacity-building programs tailored for Somali labor officials, particularly those working within the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
These programs will leverage Turkey’s vast experience in labor market governance, vocational education, and social welfare management.
By equipping Somali officials with modern tools and training, the initiative is expected to strengthen institutional efficiency, improve service delivery, and contribute to long-term socio-economic development in Somalia.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Minister Yusuf Mohamed expressed his deep appreciation to Minister Işıkhan for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Turkey.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that it reflects the long-standing brotherly ties and shared vision between the two nations.
“The Federal Government of Somalia sees Turkey not only as a partner but as a true brotherly nation that has consistently stood by us in times of need,” Minister Yusuf said. “This agreement is a reflection of our commitment to building a better future for our people through effective collaboration and mutual respect.”
Minister Işıkhan, for his part, emphasized Turkey’s readiness to support Somalia’s labor sector and contribute to its human capital development.
He praised Somalia’s efforts in institutional reform and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to standing alongside Somalia as a development partner.
A New Chapter in Somalia–Turkey Labor Relations
This engagement between the two ministers underscores the strong diplomatic and developmental ties between Somalia and Turkey. Over the past decade, Turkey has played a vital role in Somalia’s reconstruction efforts through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance.
The new labor cooperation framework is expected to further solidify this relationship by creating tangible benefits for Somali workers and advancing the broader goal of economic stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.