The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ali Omar Ali (Balcad), has written an article on Turkey’s role in Somalia’s recovery.
The Minister recalled the visit of former Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Mogadishu in August 2011, noting that the visit was an event that changed the world’s perception of Somalia.
“That was a clear message that Somalia should not be forgotten,” the Minister said, adding that Ankara had inspired the hopes of the Somali people.
“Turkey is not just a diplomatic friend, it is a true brother. Today in Mogadishu you see hospitals, schools, and infrastructure built by Turkey,” the Minister said.
The Minister noted that the next phase of cooperation between the two countries would be economic development. He noted Somalia’s vast agricultural land and long coastline, which are rich in marine resources, while Turkey has modern industries and international trade networks.
“Somalia is not just a country that receives aid, it is a country that is ready to grow with Turkey,” he said.
Finally, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that the relationship between Somalia and Turkey is an example of what can happen when countries have genuine South-South cooperation.
