Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, on Monday joined diplomats, government officials, and invited guests at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.
The ceremony, attended by senior Somali officials, foreign envoys, and representatives from various government institutions, celebrated the historic journey of Türkiye since its establishment in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Barre described the occasion as a moment of shared pride and friendship between Somalia and Türkiye, noting that the two nations continue to enjoy strong political, economic, and cultural ties built on mutual respect and cooperation.
“This day is one of joy and solidarity with our Turkish brothers and sisters. It is a celebration of courage and sacrifice, a commemoration of the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who laid the foundation for a modern, progressive, and resilient republic,” the Prime Minister said.
Hamza recalled President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Mogadishu in August 2011 — a time when Somalia was battling severe drought and insecurity, describing it as a defining moment that strengthened diplomatic and humanitarian relations between the two countries.
“The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on how far our partnership has come. Türkiye has stood by Somalia in difficult times, and our cooperation continues to grow stronger across sectors such as trade, education, health, infrastructure, and defense,” he added.
The Prime Minister further praised Türkiye for its continued support toward rebuilding Somalia’s institutions and enhancing security and development.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Ankara in areas of mutual interest, including investment, vocational training, and capacity building.
“Somalia remains grateful for Türkiye’s steadfast partnership. We will continue to work together to promote regional peace, prosperity, and shared progress,” Hamza stated.
The event concluded with cultural performances, a documentary highlighting Türkiye’s achievements over the past century, and a dinner reception hosted by Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş in honor of the guests.
