Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, recently engaged in a high-level diplomatic meeting behind closed doors in Istanbul. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, the encounter covered a range of international topics and bilateral relations.
The meeting, which took place amid growing global concerns, involved discussions on various matters of mutual interest. Key figures accompanying the presidents during the talks included Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacr, Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, and members of the Somali delegation.
One of the prominent issues on the agenda was the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the expanding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The leaders also touched upon the recent wave of pro-Palestinian protests in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which mirrored similar sentiments in Turkey.
Since President Erdogan's visit to Somalia in 2011, Turkey and Somalia have fostered a strong partnership, spanning various sectors including the economy, diplomacy, and the military. This alliance has proven highly beneficial to Somalia, with significant contributions in the form of humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and military training.
Turkey's commitment to Somalia is exemplified by its largest embassy in Africa, a sprawling 80,000 square meter facility located in Mogadishu. Humanitarian organizations from Turkey have played a crucial role in averting famine in Somalia, particularly during the severe droughts that have plagued the region in recent years.
Somalia is also home to Turkey's largest foreign military installation and training center, where thousands of members of the Somali security forces have received training and support. This demonstrates Ankara's dedication to bolstering the capacity of the Somali government and security apparatus.
President Erdogan's foreign policy has consistently emphasized strengthening ties with the African continent, presenting Turkey as a more equitable partner compared to the area's historical colonial powers. The relations between Turkey and Africa have grown significantly in recent years, with Turkey actively promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual respect.
Ankara's commitment to expanding its relations with Africa is part of a broader strategy to deepen connections and partnerships with the African continent. This approach, championed by President Erdogan for over two decades, underscores Turkey's aspiration to be a fair and constructive actor in the region.
The recent meeting between Presidents Erdogan and Mohamud further highlights the commitment to enhancing collaboration between Turkey and Somalia and underlines the potential for even greater cooperation in the future.
As diplomatic efforts continue, both parties aim to harness their shared potential for the benefit of their nations and contribute to further development and stability in the region.
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