Turkish Ambassador Ferhat Alkan reaffirms Ankara’s support for Somalia, praises efforts to develop the country’s marine resources.
Türkiye has announced that a vessel combining research and fishing capabilities is heading towards the Somali coast to help develop local fishing skills and strengthen the country’s maritime economy.
Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Ferhat Alkan made the announcement during Somalia’s 2026 National Fisheries Week celebrations, where he also praised the government’s efforts to develop the fisheries sector and harness the country’s blue economy potential.
Strategic partnership and capacity-building
Alkan reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Somalia, describing Turkey as a reliable strategic partner.
He said Türkiye was committed to supporting Somalia’s national priorities through broad-based co-operation, the exchange of expertise and capacity-building within government institutions.
The ambassador also praised Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, and the companies that sponsored the event, led by SomTürk, for their role in organising the week’s activities.
Alkan said Türkiye would continue working to ensure that Somalia’s marine resources contributed to the country’s prosperity, economic growth and long-term public welfare.
Fishing licences
The announcement follows a December 2025 agreement between Türkiye’s industrial group OYAK and Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy to regulate fisheries through a centralised, sustainable licensing framework.
Under the deal, SOMTURK, established within the framework, is responsible for managing fishing licences in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone.
The agreement aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources, create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Türkiye and Somalia have maintained close economic, diplomatic and military ties since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Mogadishu in 2011, then serving as prime minister.
Tinubu blames 'hunger, poverty' on opposition, but did they contribute to Nigeria's challenges?
President Bola Tinubu will seek another four-year mandate in Nigeria's January 16, 2027 general election, but his bold economic reforms remain the APC administration's soft underbelly that has come under frequent criticism by the opposition.
Prominent Nigerian Muslim scholar Masussuka shot dead
Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his associate Adamu Abubakar were killed in Katsina state on Monday.
Israeli opposition urges mass turnout to end Netanyahu’s rule
Opposition leaders call on voters to deliver political change in parliamentary elections, warning that misinformation could undermine the electoral process.
All rights reserved. Newstimetr © 2026
