Somalia and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector following high-level talks between Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th Türkiye Maritime Summit in Istanbul, where government officials, maritime experts, and industry leaders gathered to discuss regional maritime development, port modernization, shipping, and international cooperation.

During the talks, the two ministers discussed expanding collaboration in port development, maritime transport, trade, and the blue economy, with both sides expressing their commitment to deepening the long-standing strategic partnership between Somalia and Türkiye.

Speaking at the summit, Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur described Türkiye as one of Somalia’s closest and most reliable partners, praising Ankara’s continued support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and institutional development.

“Our brotherly nation, Türkiye, remains a trusted strategic partner, standing alongside Somalia as we continue rebuilding our state institutions and strengthening our national capacity,” the Somali minister said.

For his part, Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Somalia, pledging continued support for the modernization of Somalia’s ports, the growth of maritime trade, and broader economic development initiatives.

Somalia and Türkiye have significantly strengthened their bilateral relations over the past decade, cooperating in areas including security, infrastructure, education, health, humanitarian assistance, and economic development. Türkiye has played a key role in supporting major infrastructure projects in Somalia, including the management and modernization of Mogadishu Port and investments aimed at improving the country’s transport and logistics sectors.

The two countries have also expanded cooperation in maritime security following recent bilateral agreements covering Somalia’s territorial waters and offshore resources. Officials say the growing partnership is expected to enhance Somalia’s maritime governance, boost trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s role along one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.