(11-01-24) ANKARA (Halqabsi News) — The Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met in Ankara this Thursday. The meeting, conducted in private, was primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues, particularly in light of the recent diplomatic tensions with Ethiopia over the Somaliland and Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU, which has been a source of contention, is perceived by the Somali government as an infringement on its sovereignty, sparking considerable controversy. In a decisive response, Türkiye has pledged substantial support to Somalia, including the deployment of its naval fleet to Somali waters and the provision of naval ships to augment Somali maritime forces. This move signifies Türkiye’s commitment to ensuring the security and sovereignty of Somalia in a region riddled with complexities.
Since 2013, Türkiye’s role in Somalia has been multifaceted, extending beyond security to include development aid and diplomatic mediation. A key aspect of this engagement has been facilitating dialogues between Somalia’s federal government and the self-declared independent Somaliland. Despite persistent efforts, these negotiations have yet to yield a resolution, notably failing to reach an agreement during the 2020 Djibouti talks.
Türkiye’s influence in Somalia is not limited to political and diplomatic arenas. Turkish non-governmental organisations and corporations are heavily involved in critical sectors such as education, energy, and finance. The establishment of Türkiye’s largest African embassy in Mogadishu, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2011 visit, is a testament to these deepening ties.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud annulled the contentious MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This move, aimed at protecting Somalia’s national sovereignty, reflects the ongoing complexities in regional diplomacy and Somalia’s efforts to assert its position on the international stage.
The Ankara meeting thus represents not just the strengthening of Somalia-Türkiye relations, but also highlights the strategic importance of Somalia in regional stability and security, particularly in the context of the Horn of Africa’s delicate political landscape.
Halqabsi News
