Somalia Thanks Türkiye for Security Support After High-Level Talks in Mogadishu

Somalia has thanked Türkiye for its continued support in security cooperation and counterterrorism following talks between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and a senior Turkish delegation in Mogadishu. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, boosting security collaboration and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa. The visit came amid Somalia’s rejection of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somalia has expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Türkiye for their consistent and unwavering support in the areas of security cooperation and counterterrorism, describing Ankara as a key strategic partner in the country’s efforts to restore stability and strengthen state institutions.
The appreciation followed high-level talks held on Sunday in the capital, Mogadishu, between Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and a visiting senior delegation from Türkiye. The meeting formed part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries aimed at consolidating their long-standing partnership, particularly in the areas of security, defence and regional stability.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the talks, Prime Minister Hamza expressed profound gratitude to Türkiye, praising the Turkish government and people for their steadfast support over the years. He described Türkiye as a strategic ally that has played a vital role in reinforcing Somalia’s security architecture, promoting national unity, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the statement, discussions between both sides focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in security matters, intensifying counterterrorism efforts and promoting lasting stability in the Horn of Africa region. The leaders reviewed ongoing joint initiatives and explored new areas of collaboration to address emerging security challenges and strengthen institutional capacity.
The Turkish delegation was led by Ali Onaner, Director of the Africa Department at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was accompanied by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktas. The delegation held extensive consultations with Somali officials on ways to deepen cooperation and further enhance coordination in combating extremist threats and strengthening peace and security in the region.
During the meeting, Onaner reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to standing firmly with Somalia and pledged to continue expanding the scope of cooperation between both countries. He said Türkiye remained determined to support Somalia’s quest for peace, stability and development, and to work closely with Somali authorities in advancing shared security and diplomatic objectives.
The visit by the Turkish delegation comes at a particularly sensitive moment, following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, Somalia’s self-declared breakaway region. On December 26, Israel announced that it had officially recognised Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the only country to take such a step. The announcement triggered widespread criticism across the Horn of Africa and beyond, with many regional actors condemning the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
In response to the development, Somalia reiterated its firm and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, strongly rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somali authorities have maintained that the country’s territorial boundaries are inviolable and that any attempt to legitimise secessionist claims would undermine peace and stability in the region.
Officials said the talks with Türkiye also provided an opportunity to reaffirm Somalia’s diplomatic position and to strengthen international support for its unity and territorial integrity, while deepening partnerships that contribute to security, counterterrorism and regional stability.