Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has described bilateral relations with Türkiye as reaching their highest level, crediting Ankara’s support for the country’s stability and expressing optimism for future joint projects.

In an Anadolu Agency interview, Fiqi recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 2011 visit to Mogadishu amid an al-Shabaab siege, noting that the city’s liberation shortly after ushered in 14 years of independence. He highlighted a memorandum of understanding between the defense ministries, including Turkish-made helicopters, armored vehicles, and training for Somali Special Forces at the TURKSOM base.

Fiqi emphasized expanding economic ties to bolster Somalia’s security, pointing to Türkiye’s $1 billion in aid since 2011 across healthcare, education, infrastructure, and municipal services. Türkiye hosts its largest embassy in Somalia, symbolizing enduring partnership. Fiqi envisioned continued progress, affirming Somalia’s gratitude for Türkiye’s role in overcoming past hardships like famine.