Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir
Muhammed Nur, who attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) held
at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek Tourism Region, where
Anadolu Agency (AA) is the Global Communications Partner, made a
written statement to an AA correspondent.
Stating that we are going through a period of international
rupture, global norms are weakening, and multilateral organizations
are being approached with suspicion, Nur said:
“Conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and inequality no
longer recognize borders. These are now global problems that
require shared responsibility.”
Nur underlined that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum stands out as a
timely and inspiring platform to reimagine diplomacy in a
fragmented world. He stressed that the ADF, under the leadership of
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, not only offers a platform for
dialogue but also demonstrates a renewed commitment to inclusive,
humane, and forward-looking multilateralism.
Underlining that the participation of Somali President Hassan
Sheikh Mohamud in the 4th ADF reflects Somalia’s deep commitment to
this vision, Nur noted:
“It also demonstrates the strength of Somali-Turkish relations,
which are based on shared values, mutual trust, and a determination
to build resilient and peaceful societies. The personal closeness
and strategic harmony between our two presidents have laid the
foundation for a partnership that encompasses not only the two
countries but a much broader area. This partnership offers a model
of cooperation built on the foundations of honor, solidarity, and
development.”
Nur said that the theme of this year’s ADF, “Embracing Diplomacy
in a Divided World,” aligns with Somalia’s journey and that his
country has learned that sustainable peace can be built through
dialogue after decades of conflict and hardship.
“Somalia knows the power of diplomacy well. Thanks to partners
like Türkiye, we have experienced firsthand what it means to be
heard, supported, and empowered.”
Pointing out that the ADF brings together world leaders, as well
as youth, academics, civil society, and businesspeople, Nur shared
that Somalia is determined to contribute to the evolving global
dialogue to shape a “more just world order.”
“The Türkiye-Somalia relationship stands out as one of the most
enduring and exemplary partnerships on the African continent,” Nur
said, adding that this partnership is based on historical
closeness, reinforced by trust, and shaped by a common vision for
peace, prosperity, and regional leadership.
Nur stated that since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s
groundbreaking visit to Somalia’s capital Mogadishu in 2011,
relations have evolved beyond humanitarian aid into a comprehensive
partnership encompassing state-building, security, economic
resilience, and infrastructural transformation. The essence of this
partnership is not dependence but mutual respect and belief in
shared sovereignty. He stressed that the Framework Agreement on
Defense and Economic Cooperation , signed between the two countries
on February 8, 2024, covers joint work in the areas of maritime
security, counter-terrorism, and national defense capacity
building.
Nur noted that the signing of agreements for offshore oil
exploration and onshore hydrocarbon exploration between the two
countries to unlock Somalia’s vast natural resource potential
represented an important turning point on the path to energy
independence for his country. He also highlighted Türkiye’s role as
a reliable partner and strategic investor in this process.
Nur said that these agreements are not only economic contracts
but also documents of intent that reflect the two nations’ ability
to transform the future by being connected through brotherly bonds.
He added:
“As Türkiye and Somalia, we are not just allies. We are
co-authors of a future shaped by trust, determination, and common
power.”
Nur said he sees Türkiye’s contributions to Somalia’s port
infrastructure, maritime vocational training, and institutional
development as “pillars of a broader vision.” He added that this
vision aims to transform Somalia into a logistics and trade gateway
for East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Pointing out that maritime ties between Turks and Somalis have
existed since the Ottoman Empire and that this reflects a common
past, Nur said:
“Somalia’s geostrategic location at the crossroads of global
trade routes makes our ports not only national assets but also
vital international connections. Türkiye’s continued support for
the modernization of these transit points has allowed us to
reimagine what is possible for our economy, our regional role, and
our people.”