Turkey’s outgoing ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, says bilateral relations have entered a new strategic phase, expanding beyond traditional aid into security, investment, energy, infrastructure and trade.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Turkey’s outgoing ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, has announced the end of his diplomatic mission in Mogadishu after more than two years in the country, saying bilateral ties have expanded well beyond traditional aid and humanitarian support.
Aktaş, who arrived in Somalia in March 2024, is leaving for a new diplomatic assignment in Skopje, North Macedonia. In a farewell message to Somalis, he reflected on changes he had witnessed during his tenure and the growing scope of relations between Ankara and Mogadishu.
The ambassador said he had worked closely with Somali government institutions, civil society and other sections of the population, describing the relationship between the two countries as increasingly broad and strategic.
“Türkiye is implementing in Somalia a system based on justice, mutual respect, equality and placing human beings at the centre of development efforts,” Aktaş said in his farewell message.
He said cooperation between the two countries had expanded across several sectors, including the economy, security, education, health, humanitarian assistance, technical capacity-building and investment.
Aktaş also highlighted cooperation in the blue economy, oil and gas, saying the relationship had entered a new phase that goes beyond the traditional model of Turkish assistance and humanitarian support.
He said Ankara was working with Somalia on areas directly linked to the country's future, including infrastructure development, trade expansion and the creation of new economic opportunities.
The ambassador pointed to visible changes in Somalia during his time in the country, particularly in Mogadishu, where he said economic and social activity had increased significantly.
He cited the capital's growing movement, commerce and daily activity, including during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as examples of the changes he had observed.
Aktaş also noted the growth of private-sector businesses, foreign direct investment and employment, saying these developments were important to Somalia's economic prospects.
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He said expanding investment and job creation were particularly important for Somali youth, who need opportunities to build their futures in their own country.
On the political front, Aktaş said Somalia's emerging democratic participation could become an important experience for the country's political future, adding that Turkey had supported the process.
His remarks come as Somalia continues efforts to transition toward a direct electoral system, amid political disagreements over constitutional changes, elections and relations between the federal government and federal member states.
Aktaş urged Somalis to preserve national unity and cohesion, describing them as essential foundations for stability and development.
He said Ankara would continue supporting Somalia, particularly in security, stability and the protection of the country's territorial integrity.
“Türkiye will continue its support for Somalia's territorial integrity, security and stability,” he said.
The ambassador said diplomatic relations between Somalia and Turkey, which have developed significantly over the past decade, were continuing to deepen while opening new areas of strategic cooperation.
Aktaş also thanked the Somali government and people for the welcome and support extended to him, his family and embassy staff during his time in Mogadishu.
He said Somalia would retain a special place in his heart, underscoring the close ties that have developed between the two countries during his diplomatic tenure.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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