Stanbul – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Turkey intends to build a spaceport in Somalia under recently signed bilateral agreements, underscoring a new phase of strategic cooperation between Ankara and Mogadishu. Speaking at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul, Erdoğan said the project reflects growing collaboration across multiple sectors.

Erdoğan also revealed that Turkey has expanded its energy exploration fleet with two new deep-sea drilling vessels and plans to begin offshore exploration activities in Somalia in 2026, noting that these efforts would significantly contribute to the welfare and long-term development of the Somali people. He further condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as illegal and unacceptable, while praising Somalia’s improving security situation despite ongoing destabilization attempts.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for his part, expressed appreciation for Turkey’s strong political and public support amid threats to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reaffirmed Somalia’s determination to protect its unity while continuing to develop national resources, including oil and gas, as a pathway toward economic recovery, job creation, and sustainable development.

In an additional remark, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized that Somalia has achieved promising results in offshore oil and gas exploration, calling the progress a historic national achievement. He stressed that Somalia’s natural resources belong to its people and will be managed with accountability, fairness, and the protection of future generations, marking a new chapter in the country’s economic resurgence.