Relationship dossier
Turkey
Somalia
Relationship assessment
A close partnership built on Turkish aid, security cooperation and infrastructure investment in Somalia
Turkey toward Somalia
+75Turkey has provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Somalia, established a military training facility in Mogadishu, and supported Somali security capacity. Turkish companies have also managed major infrastructure, including Mogadishu's port and airport. The 2024 defense and economic cooperation agreement expanded the formal basis for bilateral security and economic ties.
Somalia toward Turkey
+65Somalia has entered into substantial security and economic cooperation with Turkey, including the 2024 defense and economic cooperation agreement. Somalia has also granted Turkey offshore energy exploration rights, reflecting cooperation beyond aid and security.
Overall relationship
+75The relationship has a durable strategic foundation, with Turkish humanitarian and infrastructure engagement complemented by Somali agreements on security, economic cooperation and energy exploration. The partnership has expanded over time, though the implementation and results of recent agreements remain uncertain.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Turkey and Somalia have developed a close partnership centered on security, humanitarian assistance and economic cooperation. Turkey has provided substantial aid and helped build Somali security capacity, including through its military training facility in Mogadishu. Turkish companies have also taken roles in managing key infrastructure. In 2024, the governments signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement, further formalizing their partnership.
Key developments
Turkey opened its military training facility in Mogadishu, supporting the training of Somali security forces.
Turkey and Somalia signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement.
Somalia and Turkey signed an Ankara Declaration following Turkish-mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and implementation of the 2024 defense and economic cooperation agreement remain unclear.
- The timing and results of Turkish offshore energy exploration in Somalia are uncertain.