MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Turkey on Tuesday, amid heightened regional tensions following Israel’s announcement recognising Somaliland.
Middle East Eye reported that the visit had been scheduled before the current diplomatic fallout, but discussions between President Mohamud and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are now expected to address Israel’s unilateral move.
The two leaders are also set to review the results of a seismic survey for offshore oil exploration in Somali waters, completed in October. Both presidents are expected to make a joint announcement on the findings.
Last week, Turkey’s energy minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said Ankara plans to begin drilling operations off Somalia’s coast in 2026, remarks that suggested the presence of potential hydrocarbon resources.
Turkey is among Somalia’s key international partners to have strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration recognising Somaliland. Some analysts argue that Ankara’s expanding military footprint in Somalia may have influenced Israel’s decision to pursue closer ties with the self-declared republic in Hargeisa.
President Mohamud is also expected to travel to Djibouti to meet President Ismail Omar Guelleh, as part of efforts to consolidate regional support in the wake of Israel’s announcement.
During his visit to Turkey, the Somali leader is expected to sign an additional military cooperation agreement, according to the Somali news website Caasimada Online.
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