MOGADISHU, Somalia – On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, welcomed the head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Ibrahim Kalin, at Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.
This significant meeting between the two nations underscores a growing partnership in combating security threats in the region, particularly from Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations.
President Mohamud and Kalin discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between Turkey and Somalia in key areas of mutual interest, including security, intelligence, joint counter-terrorism efforts, and promoting regional stability.
This high-level discussion follows the recent docking of a Turkish warship at the Port of Mogadishu, highlighting the deepening ties between the two countries.
The visit by Ibrahim Kalin, a member of the AK Party and a seasoned bureaucrat, is part of a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at enhancing security and economic cooperation between Turkey and Somalia. The discussions also involved top federal government officials and focused on strategies for enhancing cooperation between the intelligence agencies of both countries, as well as exploring avenues for economic collaboration.
Ibrahim Kalin, who has served in various capacities including as a senior advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and as the director of the National Intelligence Organization since June 2023, brings a wealth of experience to these discussions.
His visit is seen as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations beyond security cooperation and into the realms of trade, investment, and development partnerships.
The meeting between President Mohamud and Kalin was attended by the head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, Abdullahi Mohamed Sambalooshe, and other senior government figures. This gathering of top officials from both countries signifies a strong commitment to working together on critical issues affecting regional stability and security.
Turkey’s engagement in Somalia is part of a broader effort to enhance its role in the region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also expected to visit the country in the coming days.
These diplomatic efforts reflect Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and playing a more significant role in global security and economic cooperation.
As Somalia continues to face significant challenges from Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups, the visit by Ibrahim Kalin and the subsequent discussions on security and intelligence cooperation is timely and crucial.
The strengthening of ties between Turkey and Somalia serves as a positive step towards achieving greater regional stability and security.
