Türkiye and Somalia have agreed to strengthen cooperation across energy, security, and emerging technologies.

This follows a high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Istanbul on Tuesday.

President Erdogan said that the two brotherly nations will continue to advance relations "rooted in deep historical, human, and cultural ties."

The Turkish Head of State further reaffirmed Ankara's support for Somalia's security and stability.

Energy cooperation

Energy cooperation was a key talking point during the two leaders' meeting, with President Erdogan noting that Türkiye's Oruç Reis seismic research vessel completed a nine-month survey in Somali maritime areas, covering 4,465 square kilometres.

Based on the findings of the exploration, Türkiye plans to commence drilling operations in 2026. According to President Erdogan, this move will significantly contribute to the economic welfare of the Somali people.

The Turkish and Somali leaders also announced a "historically significant" partnership in the space sector.

Under the newly signed agreements, Türkiye and Somalia aim to establish a spaceport in the Horn of Africa nation. Planning for the first phase of the three-stage project has been completed, according to President Erdogan. Construction has also begun under the coordination of the Turkish Space Agency.

Erdogan: Israel's recognition of Somaliland is 'illegitimate and unacceptable'

The project aims to develop infrastructure for space, launch, and satellite technologies.

President Erdogan further asserted that Türkiye will continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance to Somalia through aid agencies, such as the Turkish Red Crescent, TİKA, and AFAD.

During the talks on Tuesday, Türkiye reaffirmed its position on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with President Erdogan stating that protecting Mogadishu's national unity remains a top priority for both countries.

In particular, President Erdogan rejected Israel's December 26 decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, terming the move "illegitimate and unacceptable."

Unity and national cohesion

"The (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's government, which has the blood of 71,000 Palestinian brothers on its hands, is now seeking to drag the Horn of Africa into instability following its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and Syria," President Erdogan cautioned, vowing to "stand by the Somali people" to reject any form of Israeli provocation.

In his closing remarks, Erdogan expressed confidence that the Somali people will continue to act with unity, solidarity, and national cohesion.

President Mohamud, who thanked Ankara for its unwavering support for the Somali cause, was in Türkiye for an official visit upon President Erdogan's invitation.