Somalia, Turkey sign strategic fisheries cooperation agreement

(MENAFN) Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, welcomed a newly signed “Strategic Cooperation and Service Agreement” with Türkiye, emphasizing its potential to strengthen bilateral economic ties and benefit both nations. The deal, inked with Türkiye’s leading institution OYAK, aims to institutionalize economic collaboration and create a joint fisheries venture under the SOMTURK company.

Aden highlighted that the partnership will enhance Somalia’s maritime security and ensure sustainable management of marine resources. Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean, particularly off the Somali coast, is a key objective. The agreement also seeks to bolster Somalia’s maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities, protecting territorial waters and economic interests.

Under the arrangement, SOMTURK will oversee all licensing processes related to fisheries activities, with final regulatory authority remaining with Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. The framework is designed to strengthen domestic institutional capacity while facilitating international engagement, allowing both local and foreign companies to operate under the licensing mechanism.

Economically, the agreement promises mutual benefits through revenue-sharing, employment opportunities, and the development of fisheries-related infrastructure such as ports, cold storage, processing, and industrial facilities. Aden noted that this will provide vocational training for young Somalis and promote the expansion of foreign trade.

Türkiye’s fisheries sector will gain access to Somali ports and waters, allowing Turkish fleets to operate in the region, while Somalia benefits from sharing its marine resources and fostering strategic cooperation. The partnership builds on steadily growing collaboration between the two countries in recent years.

The agreement, signed on December 17, establishes SOMTURK to manage licensing in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone, enhance technical and commercial cooperation, and generate sustainable revenue. It is expected to create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and ensure that the benefits contribute directly to the welfare of the Somali people.

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