Our two brotherly nations of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey have celebrated 10 years of stronger relations and resumption of ties in 2011 during a day of festivities in the Capital, Mogadishu.

The inaugural celebrations, known as SomTurk day, were held in honour of remembering the successes and milestones of our two brotherly nations following the continued efforts of our two countries to strengthen our relations in strategic sectors.

Somali Deputy Prime Minister H.E Khadar Guiled led Somali government officials during the celebrations held in Mogadishu.

Somturk day also commemorated a decade since the historic visit of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accompanied by a delegation of Turkish government officials, investors, and aid workers to Somalia in August 2011.

Somturk day also provided a reflection on the significant input of the leadership of our two countries in their relentlessness to spearhead cooperation in the economy, security, trade, and humanitarian affairs, while also paying respect to the heroes and the sacrifices made for the revival, renewal, and elevation of our historic relations.

H.E Jama Abdullahi Mohamed, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Turkey, also attended the celebrations in Mogadishu which involved panel discussions, photo exhibition, and display of the rich Somali and Turkish cultures.

“(In) the 10 years of brotherly relationship between Somalia and Turkey, tangible progress has been achieved including education, health, business relationship, economic development, bilateral relations (and the) rebuilding of Somali national army and diplomacy,” he said.

Somali Deputy Prime Minister H.E Khadar Guiled

Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia H.E Mehmet Yilmaz led the Turkish delegation who attended the ceremony to celebrate the 10-year anniversary in the capital Mogadishu. Other Turkish officials present included Turkish red crescent Deputy Chairman Murat Ellialtı.

H.E Ambassador Mehmet Yilmaz also read the official speech of H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Finally, the climax of the Somturk day celebrations was a dinner held at the Presidency, Villa Somalia by H.E President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.