Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur delivered an emotional speech at a reception organized by Türkiye’s Embassy in Mogadishu, bringing together Somali alumni of Turkish universities. Highlighting his personal journey and the deepening ties between the two nations, the event served as a celebration of the Türkiye-Somalia partnership and the critical role of Türkiye-educated professionals in Somalia’s progress.
In his address, Minister Nur reflected on Türkiye’s impact on both his life and his nation. He described his youth during Somalia’s civil war and the immense challenges his homeland faced, including destruction, terror, and despair. “I could not remain indifferent to my country’s pain. The dream of a peaceful and prosperous Somalia brought me from Baidao to Mogadishu and later to Türkiye,” he said.
Nur recounted the turning point in Somalia’s history—the devastating famine of 2011. At a time when the world remained largely silent, Türkiye stepped forward. He recalled then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Mogadishu, which marked the beginning of Türkiye’s transformative involvement in Somalia. “For the first time in 20 years, a world leader came to Somalia. This visit brought hope to a nation that had known only sorrow for decades,” he remarked.
The Minister highlighted Türkiye’s multifaceted support, including infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, and security reforms. He praised Türkiye’s unique approach, which emphasized respect for Somali sovereignty and focused on empowering local institutions. He also acknowledged the critical role of Türkiye scholarships, which have enabled thousands of Somali youth to receive world-class education in Türkiye. “The students trained in Türkiye are not only rebuilding Somalia but also serving as cultural and professional bridges between our nations,” Nur stated.
Addressing the alumni, Minister Nur emphasized their role in Somalia’s development. He noted that Türkiye graduates are now integral to Somali institutions, contributing to governance, trade, and diplomacy. “Today, in almost every Somali institution, you will find individuals fluent in Turkish and deeply connected to Türkiye,” he said.
The Minister also celebrated the evolution of Türkiye-Somalia relations from humanitarian aid to a strategic partnership. This collaboration now spans diverse fields, including defense, energy, and even space exploration. “Our relationship has become a model of cooperation built on equality and shared goals,” he noted.
In his closing remarks, Minister Nur expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for their unwavering support. “Türkiye is not just a partner; it is a brotherly nation whose generosity and vision have given Somalia hope and a future,” he concluded.
Türkiye-Somalia Relations: A Growing Strategic Partnership
The reception highlighted the decade-long transformation of Türkiye-Somalia relations. Beginning with the humanitarian response to the 2011 famine, Türkiye’s engagement has expanded into state-building and strategic collaborations. Today, the partnership is a cornerstone of stability and progress in the East African region, exemplifying a unique model of international cooperation.