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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Official Visit of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud to Türkiye is an official visit carried out by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud at the invitation of Türkiye Republic President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 30 December 2025. During the visit, an official welcoming ceremony was held, bilateral and delegation-level talks were conducted, and a joint press conference took place. The discussions addressed relations between Türkiye and Somali.
President Erdoğan and Somali President Mahmud, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud was received at an official ceremony held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office in Istanbul. Following the welcoming ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a one-on-one meeting with President Mahmud.
President Erdoğan welcomes Somali President Mahmud at the Dolmabahçe Office during the official ceremony, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
Following the bilateral meeting, Presidents Erdoğan and Mahmud presided over delegation-level talks. The Turkish delegation included the following officials:
The delegation-level talks were conducted within the framework of bilateral cooperation priorities.
Delegation-level talks at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
Following the bilateral and delegation-level talks, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud held a joint press conference at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office. The press conference addressed relations between the two countries and current regional developments.
President Erdoğan and Somali President Mahmud hold a joint press conference, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction at hosting Somali President Mahmud in Istanbul. He emphasized that the foundation of the continuously developing relations between Türkiye and Somalia rests on deep historical, humanitarian, and cultural ties.
President Erdoğan noted that 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia. He affirmed that relations will continue to advance on the existing foundation and that Türkiye will sustain its support for Somalia’s security and stability.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
President Erdoğan recalled that following his visit to Somalia during his tenure as Prime Minister in 2011, amid a severe drought crisis, Türkiye launched a comprehensive humanitarian aid campaign. Erdoğan described this initiative as follows: “At a time when the world had lost hope in Somalia, Türkiye’s outstretched hand of friendship strengthened the sense of brotherhood between our two nations. Over the years that followed, Somalia achieved unprecedented progress. Despite various sabotage attempts by those who wished to see Somalia remain down, significant improvements have been made in Somalia’s security situation.”
President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye has provided comprehensive support to Somalia in its fight against terrorism. He emphasized that training provided to the Somali National Army at the TÜRKSOM Military Training Center and the equipment support delivered have demonstrated Türkiye’s solidarity with Somalia against terrorism.
President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye closely follows the recent achievements of the Somali armed forces in combating terrorism. He highlighted that improvements in the security environment have spurred political reforms in Somalia.
President Erdoğan noted that, as a result of the efforts of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, local elections were held on 25 December in the Benadir administrative region, including Mogadishu, after a long period. Erdoğan expressed his hope that the election results would bring blessings to the Somali people.
President Erdoğan stated that energy cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia continues to strengthen. He announced that the seismic survey vessel Oruç Reis conducted nine months of research activities in Somali maritime areas. Erdoğan clarified that these activities were carried out over an area of 4,465 square kilometers and marked the first such operation in the country’s history.
President Erdoğan indicated that drilling operations are planned to commence in 2026. He affirmed that these activities will contribute to the welfare of the Somali people. Erdoğan announced that Türkiye has added two new deep-sea drilling vessels to its fleet. He stated that the vessels have been named Çağrı Bey and Yıldırım, with one assigned to operate off the coast of Somalia and the other in the Black Sea. Erdoğan noted that with the addition of these vessels, Türkiye now possesses the fourth largest fleet in the world in this field. Erdoğan described this development as follows: “I wish both of our good news to be auspicious and beneficial.”
President Erdoğan and Somali President Mahmud hold a joint press conference, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
President Erdoğan stated that cooperation in the fisheries sector between Türkiye and Somalia has gained a new dimension under the signed agreement. He noted that this agreement will support the development of Somalia’s technical capacity and contribute to combating illegal fishing.
President Erdoğan confirmed that space cooperation between the Republic of Somalia and Türkiye has been implemented. He stated that the agreements signed envision the establishment of a space port in Somalia. Erdoğan reported that the first phase of the three-phase project has been fully designed and construction has commenced under the auspices of the Turkish Space Agency. He also affirmed that support to Somalia continues through relevant institutions including the Turkish Red Crescent, TİKA, and AFAD.
President Erdoğan made statements regarding Somalia’s territorial integrity and political unity. In this context, he stated: “The preservation of Somalia’s unity and integrity under all circumstances is our top priority. Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable. The Netanyahu government, which holds the blood of 71,000 of our Palestinian brothers, is now attempting to destabilize the Horn of Africa following its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and Syria. Egypt and Saudi Arabia, along with other regional countries, as well as the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League, have issued statements rejecting Israel’s decision. President Trump’s initial statement on this matter was also highly meaningful and affirmed the global peace vision he has promoted since taking office, a vision we also support. We highly value all these statements emphasizing Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye’s stance is entirely principled, stating: “Every step that does not serve a solution only enlarges and deepens the problem. Decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must reflect the will of all Somalis. In this process, we will continue to firmly support Somalia’s territorial integrity and political unity and stand alongside the Somali people. We sincerely believe that Somalia’s brothers will act in the spirit of unity, solidarity, and national consensus.”
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud made statements during a joint press conference held after his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office. Mahmud addressed Somalia’s current political and security conditions, the nature of its relations with Türkiye, and the areas of bilateral cooperation.
Somali President Mahmud highlighted the threats facing Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. In this context, he stated: “At this critical time when Somalia faces threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, we have felt the support of Türkiye and the Turkish nation.”
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
Mahmud expressed his gratitude to President Erdoğan for Türkiye’s support during Somalia’s difficult periods and for its leadership. Regarding Somalia’s current political objectives, he stated: “At this critical time when Somalia faces threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, we have felt the support of Türkiye and the Turkish nation. As Somalia, we are working to establish our own strong government and to secure our territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Somali President Mahmud noted that Türkiye has previously acted as a mediator between Somalia and Somaliland. He emphasized that these initiatives were pursued to achieve a peaceful and friendly resolution of the issue. Mahmud added: “Today, President Erdoğan has once again reaffirmed Türkiye’s solidarity with Somalia. Türkiye will stand by Somalia in its support. Türkiye’s support is extremely important for Somalia’s progress. Cooperation with Türkiye is vital for peace, stability, and recovery.”
Mahmud also expressed gratitude to brotherly countries and regional institutions that have shown partnership with Somalia. In this context, he commented on the stance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating: “Netanyahu’s aggressive posture, which includes Somalia, is unacceptable. In fact, this aggressive posture constitutes a violation of international law and undermines the founding charter of the United Nations. It also violates every principle of the agreements that brought together the African Union. Territorial integrity, sovereignty, and non-interference are fundamental values underlying all international systems.”
Somali President Mahmud affirmed that Somalia has always received support from Türkiye and President Erdoğan. He articulated Somalia’s government’s primary objective as follows: “Our goal is to guarantee a better and more prosperous future for our people.”
Mahmud noted that the talks with President Erdoğan addressed the strong relationship and partnership between Türkiye and Somalia. He also stated that consultations were held on developments in various regions of the world. Mahmud emphasized that efforts were made during these meetings to enhance and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Somali President Mahmud drew attention to the fact that failing to stop extremist groups could have not only national but also international consequences. He expressed this as follows: “Insecurity in Somalia and in the broader African region is the beginning of instability. Armed conflicts already exist here. This is a humanely vulnerable region.”
Mahmud acknowledged that tensions occasionally arise among different groups in Somalia. In this context, he warned against the negative effects of discrimination and external interference, stating: “Deepening this discrimination by supporting extremist groups and intensifying it through international and external interventions benefits no one. We are continuing with full commitment and determination along our national development plan and will continue pursuing this crucial development agenda for Somalia.”
President Erdoğan and Somali President Mahmud hold a joint press conference, 30 December 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)
Somali President Mahmud noted that over the past two years, Türkiye and Somalia have conducted joint activities in various fields. He cited security cooperation as a prime example of these efforts.
Mahmud also referred to humanitarian assistance initiatives between the two countries. In this context, he stated: “The hand of assistance extended by Türkiye during Somalia’s most difficult period was of great importance.”
Mahmud highlighted the local government elections held in Mogadishu on 25 December. He described these elections as: “A significant achievement long awaited.”
Mahmud noted that the last democratic elections in Somalia were held 57 years ago. He described this development as follows: “This is a historic achievement for Somalia. It demonstrates the resilience of the Somali people, the growing competence and capacity of our institutions, and our steady progress toward stability and advancement in democratic governance.”
Somali President Mahmud emphasized the importance of Somalia deriving tangible benefits from its national resources. He stated that Türkiye and Somalia have long been engaged in efforts to explore oil and natural gas resources.
Mahmud expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for leading these efforts. He stated that this process will significantly contribute to Somalia’s economic recovery, saying: “This will be highly beneficial for Somalia’s economic revival and is of utmost importance for long-term prosperity.”
Mahmud confirmed that the results obtained so far have been positive and that exploration activities will continue in the next phase. He noted that survey vessels are continuing their operations along Somalia’s coastal areas and stated: “Drilling operations will commence very soon, and we hope to make an excellent start to 2026.”
Mahmud stated that the investments and steps taken reflect Türkiye’s high level of importance placed on Somalia. He emphasized that the discovery of oil and natural gas resources will strengthen Somalia’s national capacity and improve the living conditions of the Somali people.
Mahmud stressed that Somalia’s natural resources belong to the Somali people. On their management, he stated: “Their governance must be conducted with accountability, equity, and intergenerational responsibility. Today, we are laying the foundations of these principles in this process. We reaffirm our determination to further strengthen Somalia-Türkiye cooperation.”
Mahmud stated that intensive and determined efforts are underway to identify and develop natural resources. He continued his assessment as follows: “With God’s permission, we are now beginning to witness the tangible results of these efforts and to benefit from the wealth bestowed upon our country. This is an extremely important and historic achievement for us. While we remain resolute in our struggle against those seeking to weaken our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we have never allowed these challenges to divert us from our goal of responsibly and sustainably developing our natural resources. Throughout this process, we have always received support from President Erdoğan and Türkiye. Our goal is to guarantee a better and more prosperous future for our people.”
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, arrived in Türkiye on 30 December 2025 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was officially welcomed at the Dolmabahçe Office of the Presidency in Istanbul and held bilateral talks with President Erdoğan. Following the talks, meetings between delegations were held and the two leaders conducted a joint press conference. During the visit, Türkiye–Somalia relations as well as regional and international issues were addressed.
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December 31, 2025
Official Welcoming Ceremony and Bilateral Talks
December 31, 2025
Delegation-Level Talks
December 31, 2025
Joint Press Conference