ISTANBUL – Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, is participating in the 5th Türkiye Maritime Summit in Istanbul, where regional and international officials are discussing developments in the maritime sector, port infrastructure, and shipping cooperation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the minister said he was attending the conference together with a delegation from Somalia to strengthen cooperation and explore opportunities for partnership in maritime transport and port development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Abdulkadir held talks with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of maritime transport, logistics, and port management.
The discussions also examined ways to expand technical cooperation between the two countries, support the modernization of Somalia’s maritime infrastructure, and enhance investment opportunities in the transport sector.
“We discussed the shared interests of our two countries and our special cooperation in maritime transport and ports,” the Somali minister said following the meeting.
Türkiye has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest international partners over the past decade, supporting projects in infrastructure, education, health, security, and economic development. Turkish companies have also played a prominent role in the management and development of key infrastructure facilities in Somalia, including Mogadishu’s seaport and airport.
Officials said the meeting reflected the growing strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Ankara, particularly as Somalia seeks to expand its maritime economy and strengthen the capacity of its ports to support trade and regional connectivity.
The 5th Türkiye Maritime Summit has brought together government officials, industry leaders, maritime experts, and investors to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the global shipping industry, sustainable maritime development, and the future of port infrastructure.
Minister Abdulkadir described Türkiye as a close and reliable partner that has supported Somalia’s recovery and state-building efforts, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in sectors vital to the country’s economic growth and development.
Somalia, which possesses Africa’s longest coastline, has increasingly sought to develop its maritime resources and port infrastructure as part of broader efforts to boost trade, attract investment, and strengthen regional economic integration.
