Turkey

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride towards enhancing its maritime and transport infrastructure, the Somali Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport announced this past Sunday the signing of a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkey. This partnership is poised to bolster cooperation not only in economic realms but also in the vital transport networks that connect African coastal nations. The agreement was formalized by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who…

Turkey Faces Questions Over Somalia Diplomatic Misstep MOGADISHU, Somalia - The complexities of international diplomacy can sometimes resemble a delicate dance, where a single misstep speaks volumes. Recently, Turkey found itself navigating through such intricacies, following a contentious meeting that has stirred up debates over diplomatic propriety and national sovereignty. At the heart of this diplomatic storm is a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Somalia’s Ports and Air Transport…

Turkey and Somalia: Forging a Strong Alliance On Monday, a pivotal meeting unfolded, building on a series of significant agreements established over the past year. Among these was a landmark accord reached in February 2024, when the Somali cabinet approved a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey. This initiative promises a host of collaborations, including naval training, joint patrols, and a revenue-sharing model for offshore…

In a significant turn of events, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to attend a key meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul this coming Saturday. This information has been confirmed by a source within the Turkish foreign ministry, as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The backdrop of this summit is strikingly tumultuous. A special session of the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is anticipated to address Israel's recent military actions against…

Evacuation of Vulnerable Somali Nationals: A Testament to Human Resilience Ankara (AX) – In a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace, the Somali Embassy in Turkey has successfully facilitated the safe evacuation of Dr. Mustafa Ali Macalin—a Somali medical student who endured light injuries during recent turbulence in Tehran. This development comes amidst an intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, igniting concerns among foreign nationals, particularly those with ties to the Somali community.…

Urgent Call to Somali Nationals in Iran Amid Rising Tensions Ankara (AX) – Amid growing hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Somali Embassy in Turkey has made an important announcement: it is urging Somali nationals currently residing in Iran to reach out. This outreach is especially critical for those who may wish to leave the country during these uncertain times. In a recent statement shared on their official Facebook page, the Somali Embassy expressed, “The Embassy of the Federal…

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Somalia is set to receive T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey. This development stems from a defense agreement signed earlier this year, which has garnered attention from policymakers and analysts alike. How will these helicopters play into Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab? The implications of this deal could be profound, as it represents not just a procurement of equipment but a step towards bolstering Somalia’s…

The Evolution of Somali Defense through Turkish Cooperation In a significant step towards enhancing its military capabilities, Somalia has recently received helicopters from Turkey as part of an evolving defense cooperation strategy between the two nations. The essence of this collaboration goes beyond mere transactions; it signifies a mutual commitment to stability and security in a tumultuous region. This multi-dimensional package includes three T129 Atak combat helicopters for the Somali Air Force and two utility…

Turkey Equips Somalia with Advanced Helicopters as Al-Shabaab Gains Momentum MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategic move, Turkey has bolstered the defense capabilities of the Somali National Army (SNA) with the delivery of T129 helicopters. This initiative aims to empower the ongoing battle against the formidable Al-Shabaab militants. The arrival of these three sophisticated helicopters marks a pivotal moment, prompted by a direct request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip…

The deployment of Turkish forces in Somalia arrives at a pivotal moment for both the region and the broader African landscape. With the African Union transitioning from the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Security Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSS), the stakes have never been higher. The move comes against a backdrop of critical funding gaps that threaten the stability that has been painstakingly built over the years. This change is particularly pertinent given the recent shifts in U.S. foreign…