Somalia, Türkiye advance plans for modernizing ports and maritime services
Somalia and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen their maritime partnership following a high-level meeting in Ankara between Minister Cabdulqaadir Maxamed Nuur and his Turkish counterpart, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. The talks focused on modernizing Somali ports, enhancing maritime security, and expanding cooperation in infrastructure and technology. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating joint projects aimed at boosting trade, stability, and regional connectivity.
The Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdulqaadir Mohamed Nuur, held a wide-ranging meeting on Thursday in Ankara with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, as both nations moved to strengthen their long-standing maritime partnership.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key maritime sectors, including port development, modernization of critical infrastructure, and the enhancement of maritime security systems. The two ministers also explored opportunities for technology exchange, capacity building, and knowledge transfer that would support Somalia’s efforts to revitalize its maritime economy and improve connectivity in the Horn of Africa.
During the meeting, Minister Cabdulqaadir emphasized Somalia’s strategic interest in improving the efficiency and resilience of its ports, noting that modern and secure maritime infrastructure is essential for boosting trade, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing regional integration. He commended Türkiye for its consistent support to Somalia, describing the partnership as one that continues to contribute significantly to stability and prosperity.
“We greatly appreciate the warm welcome and constructive engagement from our Turkish counterparts,” Minister Abdulqaadir said. “Our cooperation with Türkiye plays a vital role in advancing Somalia’s maritime sector, strengthening security, and accelerating the development of essential port services and infrastructure.”
For his part, Minister Uraloğlu reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to expanding joint initiatives in areas such as maritime safety, port automation, digitalization of port operations, and technical training for Somali maritime professionals. He noted that the partnership between the two countries continues to grow stronger, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for development.
The talks also underscored the importance of securing maritime routes, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and improving emergency response mechanisms—issues that remain central to Somalia’s broader security and economic priorities.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation through technical teams, follow-up mechanisms, and joint projects aimed at transforming Somalia’s maritime sector into a modern, competitive, and regionally integrated system.
