REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

MINISTER TUNÇ: WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RELATIONS WITH SOMALIA IN EVERY FIELD

Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunç stated that the “Transfer of Convicts” and “Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” agreements were signed between Türkiye and Somalia, and said, "We are very pleased that our relations with Somalia continue to develop and strengthen in every field."

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç met with Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallin Muhamoud Sheikhali and the accompanying delegation at the Ministry of Justice.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Tunç said that the visit was important for exchanging ideas on legal issues between the two countries and developing and advancing judicial cooperation. Stating that the Somali people have a very special and privileged place in the hearts of the Turkish nation, Tunç stated that the relations between the two countries have a deep-rooted history. Minister Tunç noted that following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Somalia in 2011, institutions in Türkiye have been making sincere efforts and working to take steps that will strengthen Somalia’s security and stability and contribute to the welfare and peace of the Somali people.

Reminding that Deputy Minister of Justice Niyazi Acar paid a visit to Somalia in May, Minister Tunç said, “On the occasion of this visit, we had the opportunity to directly determine the steps that can be taken for cooperation with you. The road map for cooperation that you submitted after the visit also guides us in our work.”

Underlining that efforts will continue to meet the needs of Somalis in line with President Erdoğan’s instructions, Minister Tunç stated that relations between Türkiye and Somalia have reached a strategic level.

THE AGREEMENT IS CRUCIAL FOR THE REGION

Referring to the importance of the declaration signed between Somalia and Ethiopia under Türkiye’s mediation, Minister Tunç noted the following:

“We are very pleased that our relations with Somalia continue to develop and strengthen in every field. Our bilateral cooperation has gained a new dimension with the commencement of our Oruç Reis research vessel’s activities off the coast of Somalia. We have no doubt that the hydrocarbon resources to be discovered as a result of the activities of our Oruç Reis research vessel will greatly benefit the welfare of our brotherly Somalia. The stability and welfare of our brotherly country Somalia is of vital importance for the future of valuable African countries. The Ankara process, which was initiated 8 months ago under the leadership of our President, will form the basis for the peace and welfare of the people of the region with the joint declaration agreed upon last night between Ethiopia and Somalia on peace and cooperation. The agreement, which was achieved under the efforts and leadership of our President and mediation of Türkiye, is crucial for the region.”

WE ARE DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE WHAT WE CAN

The Minister of Justice, Tunç, pointed out that humanitarian aid activities in Somalia have been carried out since 2011 in cooperation with the official institutions and NGOs in Türkiye. He continued: “The total amount of our humanitarian and developmental aid has exceeded 1 billion US dollars.”

Recently, reminding that approximately 3,000 tons of humanitarian aid were sent to Somalia last month, Tunç said: "We hope that this aid will provide some relief to the wounds of our brotherly Somali people struggling with disasters. Our Training and Research Hospital “Recep Tayyip Erdoğan” not only provides quality health services to our Somali brothers and sisters, but also trains health professionals in various fields in its Faculty of Health Sciences”.

Minister Tunç explained that support was also provided to Somalia in the fight against terrorism and continued:

"We are determined to continue our military training activities to support the Somali National Army and the Somali Federal Government in their fight against the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab and to contribute as much as we can to Somalia's fight against terrorism. Somalia is currently at a critical threshold in the fight against the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab. Recently, significant progress has been made against the terrorist organization with the support of our country in the field."

THE TWO MINISTERS SIGN AGREEMENTS

Minister Tunç stated that judicial cooperation procedures between Türkiye and Somalia are carried out in accordance with the principle of reciprocity and reminded that the countries had previously signed an agreement on extradition. Minister Yılmaz Tunç noted:

"With the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and the Agreement on the Transfer of Convicts, which we will sign today, we will take an important step in transforming our judicial cooperation into an institutional structure and acquiring a legal basis. I hope that these agreements will be beneficial to both sides. I would like to state that we are ready to provide any support to transfer the experience of our Ministry on any issues that may be needed. I hope that this visit will further strengthen judicial cooperation between the two countries and I would like to express once again my satisfaction with your visit.”

The Somali Minister Sheikhali also stated that since taking office, he has given priority to developing relations with Türkiye.

After the speeches, Minister Tunç and Minister Sheikhali signed the Agreement on the Transfer of Convicts and the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters on behalf of their countries.