Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hassan Mohamed Ali (Nadaara), has received copies of the Letters of Credence from Ferhat Alkan, Türkiye’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Nadaara welcomed Ambassador Alkan and described Somalia and Türkiye as brotherly countries whose relationship is rooted in shared faith, historical connections and a partnership that has developed through periods of difficulty.
The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas, including security, trade, development and education.
They emphasized the importance of building on existing ties to advance shared interests and improve cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Alkan formally assumed his duties as Türkiye’s ambassador to Somalia on September 21, 2026. He previously served as Türkiye’s ambassador to Mozambique from February 2025 until September 15, 2026.
A career diplomat who joined Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001, Alkan has held diplomatic and senior government positions in Afghanistan, the United States, China and Libya.
He also served as Türkiye’s Consul General in Houston and as Chief of Presidential Protocol.
The arrival of a new Turkish ambassador comes as Somalia-Türkiye relations mark six decades of diplomatic ties. Türkiye’s embassy in Mogadishu was opened in 1979, closed during Somalia’s civil war in 1991 and reopened in November 2011.
Türkiye’s engagement expanded significantly following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s landmark visit to Somalia in August 2011, after which Ankara increased its humanitarian, development and institutional support to the country.
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry says Turkish assistance to Somalia has since exceeded $1 billion, supporting projects in areas including health, education, infrastructure and municipal services.
Security cooperation has become another major pillar of the relationship. Türkiye established the TURKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu, which became operational in 2017 and has supported the training and development of Somali military personnel.
Recent cooperation has also focused on strengthening Somalia’s defense institutions and military capabilities.
In September 2026, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met a Turkish military delegation led by the commander of TURKSOM and discussed expanding defense cooperation and training for Somali forces.
Beyond security, Ankara and Mogadishu have developed cooperation in economic development, education, health and infrastructure. Türkiye has also described Somalia as an important partner in the Horn of Africa, with cooperation extending to energy and maritime issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in 2025 that security cooperation with Somalia was progressing systematically, while the two countries were also developing plans for cooperation in oil and gas exploration and production.
The latest diplomatic engagement therefore comes against the backdrop of a broad and increasingly institutionalized partnership.
Ambassador Alkan has said Türkiye remains committed to supporting Somalia’s efforts in security, development and institutional capacity, while seeking to further strengthen relations on the basis of mutual respect, trust and shared interests.