By M.A. Egge
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has emphasized the sovereignty of the nation of Somaliland as he hosted on Monday at the Presidential Palace the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey accredited to Somaliland, H.E. Ozan Pekin, accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Anil Koray Kocaman.
The meeting which has brought newly vigourized impetus in the relations between the two countries concluded in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and renewed optimism, marking a positive step toward deeper partnership and strengthened relations.
During the meeting, both sides engaged in discussions on key areas of mutual interest, with particular focus on strengthening and expanding diplomatic relations, trade and investment cooperation, and development initiatives implemented by the Republic of Turkey in Somaliland.
The President emphasized that Somaliland bears no objection to the assistance Turkey extends to the Somali people in general, but underscored that Somaliland merits fair and just treatment from Turkey as a peaceful, democratic, and independent nation fully committed to constructive engagement with the international community.
For his part, the Turkish Consul General expressed his gratitude to the President for the warm hospitality and conveyed cordial greetings from the President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hakan Fidan.
Mr. Pekin, who assumed his duties in September 2025, commended the President and the Government of Somaliland for their successful peace-building efforts in the Eastern Regions of the country, the fruitful conclusion of the Erigavo Peace Conference, and the successful convening of the Somaliland Investment Conference.
He lauded these achievements as clear indicators of the political maturity and visionary leadership demonstrated by the Republic of Somaliland.
He further pledged to work actively toward enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing the scope and effectiveness of Turkey’s development assistance to Somaliland—acknowledging that such support has previously been limited in proportion to Somaliland’s pivotal role in the Horn of Africa region.
The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and renewed optimism, marking a positive step toward deeper partnership and strengthened relations between the two nations.