MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a bid to bolster disaster response and humanitarian aid coordination, SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim hosted a significant meeting on October 14, 2024, with Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktas and representatives from AFAD Turkey and the Turkish Red Crescent.
This engagement underscores the deepening ties between Somalia and Turkey, focusing on disaster management strategies and aid effectiveness.
Commissioner Moallim emphasized the importance of international collaboration in managing the frequent natural and man-made disasters afflict Somalia. “Our partnership with Turkey has been instrumental in our efforts to build resilience against disasters,” Moallim stated, highlighting Turkey’s pivotal role through AFAD and the Red Crescent in providing timely and effective aid.
Ambassador Aktas responded by reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to supporting Somalia, not only in times of crisis but also in building sustainable disaster management infrastructure. “We are here to strengthen our joint capacity in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that the support we provide is both immediate and long-lasting,” Aktas remarked.
The delegation from AFAD Turkey and the Turkish Red Crescent discussed potential areas of cooperation, including training programs for Somali disaster response teams, sharing of technology for early warning systems, and logistical support for humanitarian aid distribution. The talks also covered the possibility of joint exercises to enhance the response capabilities of both nations.
This meeting comes at a time when Somalia is increasingly facing challenges from climate change, including severe droughts and floods, alongside ongoing security issues that necessitate robust disaster and crisis management systems. The cooperation with Turkey is seen as a strategic move to leverage Turkey’s experience and resources in disaster management.
The discussions concluded with both sides agreeing to formalize their cooperation through a memorandum of understanding, outlining specific areas of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and implementation timelines. This agreement is expected to be a cornerstone in enhancing Somalia’s resilience against future disasters.
The meeting signifies a strengthening of the bilateral relations between Somalia and Turkey and sets a precedent for international cooperation in disaster management within the region.
