By Asha Elmi

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have reinforced bilateral cooperation in energy, security, and the fight against ISIS and Al-Shabaab, according to a telephone conversation between the two leaders.

The Turkish Presidency announced last night that Erdoğan spoke by phone with the Somali President, during which they discussed strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries, regional issues, and international cooperation.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development, particularly democratic progress, and pledged that Turkey’s support for Somalia’s fight against ISIS and Al-Shabaab will continue.

He also highlighted the promising cooperation between Turkey and Somalia in the sectors of energy and fisheries, emphasizing that this partnership is expanding.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his appreciation on his official X account for Erdoğan’s ongoing support and Turkey’s pledge to enhance military assistance to Somalia in the fight against terrorism.

“I welcome his continued support for Somalia’s development and Turkey’s commitment to increasing military aid in our fight against terrorism,” he wrote on X.

This phone conversation comes amid broad cooperation between Somalia and Turkey across energy, security, and counterterrorism efforts targeting militant groups in Somalia.