The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ahmed Hassan Aden, has officially signed the implementation of the Cooperation and Marine Production Development Agreement between Somalia and Türkiye with the Turkish company OYAK. The agreement, previously endorsed by both sides, is aimed at protecting, developing, and sustainably utilizing Somalia’s vast marine resources.
The signing ceremony took place in Ankara, where Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden was received at OYAK headquarters by the Turkish Minister of National Defence. The agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye in the fisheries and blue economy sectors.
During the ceremony, Minister Ahmed highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that it will pave the way for direct investment in Somalia’s blue economy infrastructure, enhance fish production to meet international market standards, establish modern fisheries industries within the country, and build the technical and professional capacity of Somali fishermen.
The agreement was witnessed by the Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Mr. Abdi Dirshe. It places special emphasis on combating illegal fishing, protecting marine resources, and creating thousands of job opportunities, particularly for youth and coastal communities across Somalia.
Minister Ahmed commended the Government of Türkiye and OYAK for their confidence in Somalia’s stability and investment potential, stressing that such partnerships reflect growing international trust and contribute directly to economic growth and youth employment.
On their part, senior officials from Türkiye’s Ministries of National Defence, Agriculture and Forestry, and Foreign Affairs, along with top executives of OYAK, underscored the strategic significance of the agreement. They expressed appreciation to the Somali government and people for the trust placed in Türkiye’s investment initiatives.
The agreement is expected to facilitate the implementation of key development projects and further strengthen economic cooperation and long-standing relations between Somalia and Türkiye, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and blue economy growth.