Mogadishu-(Puntland Mirror) Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, has announced the conclusion of his diplomatic assignment in Mogadishu, which began in March 2024, as he prepares to take up a new post in Skopje.
In a farewell message to the Somali people and Turkish citizens living in Somalia, Aktaş said it had been a great honour and privilege to work toward strengthening the multifaceted relationship between Türkiye and Somalia.
The ambassador said that, during his tenure, he and his team worked to deepen cooperation between the two countries. He noted that Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia is guided by the principles of justice, mutual respect, equality and a people-centred approach to development.
Aktaş highlighted Türkiye’s active role in Somalia across several sectors, including the economy, security, education, health, humanitarian assistance and technical capacity building.
He said Somalia has made progress in many areas and is moving forward with growing confidence. He pointed to the recovery of daily life in Mogadishu and other cities, as well as improvements in peace and stability.
The ambassador also cited growing investment, expanding private-sector business opportunities, infrastructure development, and progress in the blue economy, oil and gas sectors, which he said have contributed to greater hope among Somali youth.
Aktaş said he had also witnessed broader democratic participation in Somalia during his tenure, an area that Türkiye has supported.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, security and stability.
As the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, Aktaş said he believes the partnership between Türkiye and Somalia will continue to grow, building on their historical ties, the close relationship between their peoples and their shared cultural connections.
In his closing remarks, Aktaş thanked the Somali people for the hospitality, warm welcome and kindness they had shown to him, his family and his colleagues.
“Throughout our time in Somalia, we always felt at home,” he said in his farewell message.
