The mayor of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, hosted a farewell ceremony for Türkiye’s outgoing ambassador Alper Aktaş, who has concluded his diplomatic mission after more than two years in the country.
Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, hosted the ceremony to honour Ambassador Aktaş’s contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye.
The mayor said the ceremony reflected the depth of relations between Somalia and Türkiye and the enduring goodwill fostered through years of close diplomatic, security and development cooperation.
Ambassador Aktaş presented his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in March 2024, marking the beginning of his tenure in the country.
Earlier on Wednesday, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali also hosted Ambassador Aktaş to a farewell meeting.
Advancing cooperation
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Somali officials highlighted Ambassador Aktaş’s role in advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in development, reconstruction, public services and security.
Mayor Muungaab expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Aktaş and the Government of Türkiye for their steadfast support for Somalia, stressing that the fraternal relationship between the two countries is rooted in shared history, mutual trust and strategic partnership.
Türkiye’s support has also been an important pillar of Somalia’s security cooperation, with Turkish-trained Somali security personnel playing an increasingly prominent role in efforts to improve security in Mogadishu.
Improved security conditions have contributed to greater economic activity and investment in the capital, while the removal of security barriers along key strategic routes has helped facilitate movement and commerce.
Deep bonds
In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Aktaş thanked Mayor Muungaab’s administration and the people of Mogadishu for their warmth, hospitality and close cooperation throughout his tenure.
He emphasised the enduring importance of Somalia-Türkiye relations and the deep bonds between the two peoples.
