Türkiye’s newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Ferhat Alkan, has begun his tenure in Mogadishu with an informal meeting with Somali young people, including Somali alumni who studied in Türkiye.

Alkan met Somali youth at Beydan Coffee, a popular Turkish-inspired coffee house in Mogadishu founded by a young Somali who studied in Türkiye, where he said he wanted to hear their views and exchange ideas about the country and the future of Türkiye-Somalia relations.

“Our fundamental goal, based on mutual respect, trust and common interests, is to advance relations between our two friendly and brotherly peoples in a friendly and sincere manner,” Alkan said in a message shared by the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu.

He said the views and suggestions of Turkish citizens and Somali friends would be valuable as the two countries continued their “joint journey”.

Alkan said Somali young people he met expressed satisfaction with what they described as improvements in the security and peace environment in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.

The ambassador began his posting during a significant year for bilateral relations, which marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Somalia and the 15th anniversary of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s landmark visit to the country.

Erdogan, who was then Türkiye’s prime minister, visited Somalia in 2011 accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan.

The visit marked a significant expansion of Türkiye’s engagement with Somalia and was followed by increased cooperation in humanitarian assistance, infrastructure, health, education, security and development.

The relationship has since expanded into areas including defence, energy and the blue economy, with Ankara and Mogadishu pursuing cooperation in oil and gas exploration and maritime-related sectors.

Türkiye has also maintained a significant role in Somalia’s security and institutional development, while the two countries have continued to strengthen economic and development ties.

Alkan also referred to Erdogan’s recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, saying Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen security, development and institutional capacity in Somalia had his full support.

“The doors of our embassy will always remain open for you,” Alkan said, addressing Somali citizens and friends of Türkiye.

Alkan succeeds Aper Aktaş, who recently completed his tenure as Türkiye’s ambassador to Somalia.

His arrival comes as Ankara and Mogadishu continue to deepen their strategic partnership, with cooperation spanning security, development, infrastructure, energy and institutional capacity-building.