Ankara, 7 July 2022 (TDI): Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Somalian President, Sheikh Mohamud, held a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Wednesday.
“Our aid to Somalia over the last decade totals more than a billion dollars” https://t.co/uBStxFyYLo pic.twitter.com/KTS1ilizSr
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) July 6, 2022
Addressing the joint press conference, the Turkish President expressed his happiness to host the Somalian President and his delegation in Ankara.
President Erdogan also pointed out that Ankara conveyed a message that it stood by Somalians by paying a visit to Somalia with a large delegation in 2011.
The visit was at the time when the Somalian Capital, Mogadishu came to the brink of what the international community calls ‘collapse’.
Turkiye’s support for Somalia
President Erdogan emphasized the importance of Somalia’s stability and security for the whole of Africa. He said “our humanitarian and development aid to Somalia over the last decade totals more than a billion dollars.
We’re pleased to witness the significant progress Somalia has made in many areas, particularly in security and economy”.
Turkish President also recalled the inauguration of the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu in 2011 visit. He said, “As you know, our largest Embassy building in the world is located in Somalia. We built it on an 80,000 square meters area”.
President Erdogan also noted that Turkiye has been supporting Somalia since 2011 visit in every area including healthcare and education.
He said, “Many Turkish agencies, first and foremost Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Turkish Red Crescent, and AFAD, have been continuing their works on the ground”.
Turkish President also greeted the Somalian President on his re-election and wished for the Somalian people. He said, “I wish the elections, which brought about a second term in office as the President for my august brother, may be auspicious for Somalia and for our Somali brothers and sisters”.
In response, the Somalian President discussed the humanitarian situation in his country caused by severe drought. “I would take this opportunity to call upon Turkish brothers to support us and do whatever they can.
Your solidarity and support will save the lives of Somali people and will never be forgotten”, the Somalian President said.
“The Somali state and its people see Turkey and the Turkish people as true friends who support our efforts for development and stability in our country and stand by us,” said the Somalian President.
