Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Türkiye’s longstanding partnership with Somalia, crediting Ankara with playing a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s maritime security, offshore resource development and blue economy.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural Somalia Maritime Conference (SMC2026) in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Mohamud said Türkiye had stood by Somalia when the country needed international support the most and had become one of its most important strategic partners.
“We have a Strategic Framework Agreement with the Government of Türkiye, which has been worked on for many years,” Mohamud told delegates.
“The Government of Türkiye was the first government to stand by Somalia when it needed support the most, and it stood with the Somali people. It is not a country that came today. It has worked alongside us for a long time.”
The two-day conference, organised by Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport, brings together senior government officials, diplomats, maritime experts, private sector representatives and international partners to discuss maritime security, shipping, investment and the development of Somalia’s blue economy.
Mohamud said Türkiye had responded after recognising both the strategic importance of Somalia’s coastline and the security challenges facing its territorial waters.
“When it became clear how important our seas are, the dangers surrounding them and what had been happening in our waters for many years, the Government of Türkiye sent Somalia the most advanced equipment, the most modern technology and highly qualified experts to support us,” he said.
He pointed to the Turkish seismic exploration vessel currently operating in Somali waters, saying Ankara’s support extended beyond exploration.
“Whether it is the ship currently carrying out exploration activities in Somalia’s waters, the fishing vessels and fishing fleets that will soon come to Somalia, or the systems and procedures for making use of our marine resources, the Government of Türkiye has assisted us with expertise and technical knowledge,” Mohamud said.
Securing Somalia’s maritime domain
He added that Türkiye had also made substantial contributions to maritime security and investment.
“It has given us very broad support in maritime security. It has also made very significant investments in Somalia,” he said.
The president stressed that securing Somalia’s maritime domain was essential for unlocking the country’s economic potential.
“Somalia cannot extract its natural resources, explore for oil or benefit from its resources without securing our maritime domain,” he said.
He said offshore exploration activities were continuing and expressed optimism that the surveys would yield positive results.
Although the outcome of the exploration work had not yet been confirmed, Mohamud said he hoped “good news” would emerge in the near future.
Concluding his remarks, the Somali leader offered special thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish government.
“I would like to express my special gratitude to the Government of Türkiye and to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the strategic decisions he has taken and for the continuous support he has extended to Somalia,” Mohamud said.
“That support has played a major role in Somalia’s reconstruction efforts and in strengthening the country’s national capabilities.”
The Somalia Maritime Conference, taking place on Aug. 4-5 in Mogadishu, aims to strengthen cooperation among government institutions, international partners and the private sector while promoting a common vision for maritime security, shipping, trade, investment and the sustainable development of Somalia’s blue economy.
