MOGADISHU — Mustafa Duhulow, Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Agency, on Wednesday hosted Alper Aktaş, the ambassador of the Government of Turkey, for high-level talks aimed at deepening cooperation on migration, travel, and consular services between the two countries.
The meeting, held in the capital Mogadishu, reviewed progress on previously agreed areas of collaboration and explored new mechanisms to improve efficiency in immigration systems. Officials said both sides conducted a detailed assessment of joint initiatives, including technical support, institutional capacity building, and digitalization of immigration services.
A key focus of the discussions was the facilitation of visa procedures. The two sides examined ways to simplify application processes, reduce waiting times, and expand access to visa services for Somali citizens traveling to Turkey and Turkish nationals visiting Somalia. They also discussed enhancing transparency and coordination between their respective embassies and immigration departments.
Passport services were another major topic, with Somali officials highlighting ongoing reforms to strengthen the security and reliability of Somali travel documents. Duhulow noted that Somalia is working to upgrade its passport issuance systems to meet international standards, with support from international partners, including Turkey.
“The modernization of our immigration infrastructure is essential for improving service delivery and strengthening national security,” Duhulow said, adding that cooperation with Turkey has been instrumental in advancing these reforms.
Both parties also emphasized the importance of easing the movement of people for education, business, and humanitarian purposes. Turkey remains a key destination for Somali students, traders, and medical travelers, while Somalia continues to attract Turkish investment and development projects.
Ambassador Aktaş reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s institutional development, particularly in areas related to governance and public service delivery. He said improved mobility between the two nations would further strengthen economic ties, increase cultural exchange, and open new opportunities for collaboration.
The discussions further touched on joint training programs for immigration officials, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and the potential introduction of new technologies to improve border management and data systems.
Relations between Somalia and Turkey have grown significantly over the past decade, with Turkey playing a major role in infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, and security sector support in Somalia.
Analysts say that closer cooperation on migration and travel is part of a broader strategy to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and social ties between the two nations.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far and pledging to accelerate implementation of agreed measures, with follow-up engagements expected in the coming months.
