Saturday July 12, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met
with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday in Ankara to reaffirm
bilateral ties, with a particular focus on counterterrorism and regional
cooperation.
The closed-door meeting took place at the Presidential
Complex, according to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s steadfast support for Somalia’s
fight against terrorism and emphasized the importance of national unity in
confronting security threats. He also pledged to deepen cooperation through
enhanced strategic partnerships in defense, economic development, and
institutional reform.
“Türkiye will continue to stand with Somalia as a reliable
partner in all fields,” Erdoğan said, according to officials familiar with the
meeting.
President Mohamud arrived in Ankara following a visit to
Cairo, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to discuss
Red Sea security, the ongoing Nile dam dispute with Ethiopia, and regional
dynamics—especially following the cancellation of a controversial memorandum of
understanding between Ethiopia and the breakaway Somaliland region.
Reports indicate that Somaliland’s leader is expected to
visit Ethiopia soon to hold further discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister
Abiy Ahmed regarding bilateral ties.
During the Ankara meeting, Erdoğan and Mohamud reportedly
discussed these regional tensions, with Erdoğan expressing concern over moves
that could further destabilize the Horn of Africa.
The meeting underscores Türkiye’s growing diplomatic and
security footprint in the region, as well as Somalia’s efforts to build strong
alliances amid shifting geopolitical developments.