Somalia marks 15th anniversary of President Erdoğan’s historic visit

A program was held in Mogadishu to mark the 15th anniversary of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Somalia in 2011. The event highlighted the evolution of bilateral relations from humanitarian aid to a strategic partnership.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised Turkey’s role in the country’s reconstruction, security, and economic development. He noted that Turkey remained a consistent partner as Somalia worked to re-engage diplomatically with the world. Barre specifically emphasized education as a cornerstone of the relationship, noting that Somali students trained in Turkey have returned as professionals, including doctors and engineers.

Reflecting on the nation's progress, the Prime Minister stated that the Somalia of 2026 will be vastly different from the Somalia of 2011, citing significant advancements in the military's fight against terrorist organizations and the reclamation of territory previously dominated by fear.