Somalia, Türkiye Strengthen Ties with New Maritime Agreement

Somalia and Türkiye Sign Landmark Maritime Cooperation Agreement

Somalia has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its maritime sector by signing a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Türkiye. Approved by the Somali Cabinet under Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the landmark deal aims to enhance port services, facilitate bilateral trade, and foster significant technical knowledge sharing between the two nations.

Modernizing Somalia’s Maritime Industry

The agreement establishes a multifaceted framework for collaboration designed to transform Somalia's maritime operations. Key areas of focus include:

• Development of maritime trade and improved ship traffic management systems.
• Modernization of port services and commercial facilitation procedures.
• Mutual recognition of seafarers’ competency certificates, enabling easier employment for Somali sailors on Turkish vessels and internationally.
• Establishment of frameworks for continuous technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Objective: This partnership is strategically designed to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable maritime operations, creating mutual benefits for Somali and Turkish economic stakeholders.

Aligning with Global Maritime Standards

This bilateral agreement is part of a broader push to integrate Somalia's maritime sector fully into the global system. In a complementary move, the Somali Cabinet ratified several key international conventions:

• The International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (1969).
• The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007).
• The Maritime Labour Convention (2006).

These ratifications aim to strengthen Somalia’s maritime governance, improve its international standing, and ensure compliance with global shipping norms.

This agreement marks a major advancement in Somalia’s maritime governance and international presence. Our collaboration with Türkiye will modernize our ports, promote safe trade, protect the marine environment, and safeguard seafarers’ welfare.

– Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somali Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport

A Growing Strategic Partnership

The maritime agreement adds a crucial new dimension to the deep and growing partnership between Somalia and Türkiye, which has expanded consistently since 2011. Cooperation now spans critical sectors including:

• Infrastructure development and investment.
• Education and healthcare capacity building.
• Security and defense cooperation.

Success: This agreement reinforces the strategic ties between Somalia and Türkiye, paving a clear way for stronger economic integration and long-term maritime cooperation that promises to boost regional trade and stability.

Conclusion

The landmark maritime cooperation agreement between Somalia and Türkiye represents a transformative moment for Somalia's blue economy. By leveraging Turkish expertise and aligning with international standards, Somalia is positioning itself for enhanced trade, greater regional integration, and sustainable development of its vital maritime resources. This deal underscores the evolving strategic partnership between the two nations, focused on mutual growth and shared prosperity.