MOGADISHU, Somalia – On April 6, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Hamza Abdi Barre, received the Ambassador of Türkiye to Somalia, Alper Aktas, at his office in Mogadishu.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of a tragic incident involving the death of a Turkish citizen, Abdurrahim Yoruk, who was killed in a roadside explosion while carrying out humanitarian activities near Somalia’s capital.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Alper Aktaş and the Turkish people for the loss of the Turkish humanitarian worker. The Prime Minister condemned the heinous attack, emphasizing the importance of continuing humanitarian efforts despite the risks.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening the mutual relations and cooperation between Somalia and Turkey. Both parties expressed their commitment to enhancing the bilateral ties between the two nations, which have been long-standing allies. Ambassador Alper Aktaş reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering support for Somalia, stressing that terrorist acts will not deter their partnership.
The meeting comes at a critical time for Somalia, as the country continues to grapple with security challenges posed by terrorist groups like Al-Shabab. The recent attack underscores the ongoing threat faced by humanitarian workers in the region. However, the meeting between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Ambassador Alper Aktaş demonstrated the resilience of both nations in the face of adversity.
In addition to the discussions on security and cooperation, the officials also touched upon the recent signing of an offshore oil and natural gas cooperation deal between Somalia and Turkey. This deal, signed in Istanbul on an earlier date, represents a significant step in strengthening the economic ties between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkish institutions in Somalia, some Somali ministers, parliamentarians, and other Somali officials. The presence of such a diverse group of attendees reflects the broad scope of cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, encompassing various sectors, including security, energy, and humanitarian assistance.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Ambassador Alper Aktaş served as a platform for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening their relationship in the face of challenges. The tragic loss of a Turkish humanitarian worker only served to reinforce the importance of continued cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring the well-being of the Somali people.
