Relationship between Turkiye

and Somalia: (2011-2016).

Hassan MudanePostgraduate student

Istanbul Ticaret UniversityDepartment of African studies and

International Relations28 May, 2016

Presentation prepared by

Turkey’s innovation is its on-the-ground engagement. Most countries operating in Somalia have headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Turkey is in the thick of Mogadishu. This smashed the wall that made Mogadishu a no-go zone. It was the best gift for the Somali people.

Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic Relations

New turkey embassy in Mogadishu. Giant beautiful building. Speaks of special ties between Somalia and Turkey.

O More than any other country, Turkey has taken on a deeply influential role in bringing Somalia’s situation to international attention. Turkey has been assiduous in its efforts in opening schools, improving public sanitation, repairing roads, and renovating the country’s airport, and many business partnerships were forged.

Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic Relations

In August 2011, when Erdogan was still prime minister, he ignored the prevalent narrative of Mogadishu as a no-go zone and flew in with his family, senior cabinet members. And representatives from non-governmental organisations and the business sector.

Military tiesAnkara signed a military training agreement with Mogadishu in May 2010. And also has been an important partner in trade and foreign aid.

Military tiesTurkey is building its first base in Africa. Turkish Foreign Ministry official Emil Tekin confirmed that Ankara has broken ground on a new military installation in Somalia.

Diplomatic Relations

O However, Somali-Turkish political relations seem to be well established, but more needs to be articulated especially in the areas of security and rebuilding infrastructure which Somalia needs for development. 

Geo-Economic Relations 

However, Somali-Turkish relation is not only about rebuilding the human capital that Somalia needs, nor about the humanitarian efforts that were in response to the severe droughts.

It is equally about political and business opportunities that need to be carefully capitalized.

Geo-Economic Relations Undeniably, Africa has become the

21st century's geopolitical and geo-economic centre of gravity, For this reason, Turkey wants to strategically establish itself.

“...It's not just the port [Mogadishu port]. Turks are everywhere in Mogadishu. And so is their flag. This visit, I think I saw more Turkish flags in the city than Somali ones. ” Said by Mary Harper, find out here: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30447039

Cultural Relations

Somali State Minister Ahmed Abdullahi Hussein met Turkish Religious Affairs Director General Mehmet Gormez in capital Ankara.

Gormez recalled the relations between Turkey and Somalia would be strengthened.

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