Sunday August 11, 2024
by BRIAN ORUTA
Assistant Minister of the Türkiye Foreign Affairs Ministry, Burhanettin Duran (left) during a meeting with Somalia's Ambassador to Ankara Fathudin Ospite. Image: HANDOUT
Somalia and Turkey governments are now seeking to enhance their diplomatic relations.
According to Somalia's Ambassador to Ankara Fathudin Ospite, Turkey has played a crucial role in our country's recovery.
Ospite spoke after a meeting with the Assistant Minister of the Türkiye Foreign Affairs Ministry, Burhanettin Duran.
"Turkey has been a steadfast friend, playing a crucial role in our country's recovery. Their consistent support is unwavering. We unequivocally agreed that Somalia's territorial integrity is inviolable. The Minister reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to safeguarding our nation," he said.
The two discussed enhancing the strong brotherly ties between Somalia and Turkey, as well as the overall security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Ambassador Ospite emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding Somalia's territorial integrity.
Duran in his remarks stated that Turkey is committed to continued support for Somalia's development and security, including enhancing the capabilities of the Somali Navy.
The meeting to strengthen ties comes a few days after Turkey support for Somalia was renewed after its Parliament approved a presidential motion to deploy the military in Somalia for two years.
The military will support security against terrorism and other threats under the Türkiye-Somalia Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The motion, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said Turkey has been providing training, assistance and advisory support in Somalia for over 10 years to ensure security and stability and to help restructure that country’s defense and security forces to combat terrorism.
Ospite has played a significant role in strengthening the Somalia-Türkiye relationship.
His tenure as ambassador has been marked by efforts to expand cooperation across various sectors, including economics, humanitarian aid, and diaspora engagement.