Türkiye and Somalia forge strategic fisheries pact to boost blue economy

Somalia has formalized a major strategic cooperation agreement with Türkiye in the fisheries sector, a move hailed by Somali officials as a transformative win-win partnership. The pact, signed on December 17 between Somalia's Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and Türkiye's OYAK, establishes an institutional framework to develop Somalia's maritime economy and enhance bilateral ties.

Joint Company to Oversee Operations and Licensing

The core of the new fisheries agreement is the establishment of the joint Somali-Turkish company, SOMTURK. Somali Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy Ahmed Hassan Aden stated that this entity will manage all licensing processes for fishing activities in Somalia's exclusive economic zone. He emphasized that regulatory authority and final approval remain with his ministry. "This mechanism will strengthen institutional capacity domestically while also playing a facilitating role internationally," Aden told Anadolu.

Enhancing Maritime Security and Combating Illegal Fishing

A key objective of the bilateral cooperation is to bolster Somalia's maritime security and protect its marine resources. Minister Aden noted the agreement includes provisions for sustainable resource protection and a direct fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Indian Ocean off the Somali coast. This cooperation is expected to strengthen Somalia's surveillance and enforcement capabilities in its territorial waters.

Economic Benefits and Infrastructure Development for Somalia

The minister outlined significant expected gains for Somalia, including job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue sharing. The partnership will contribute to building ports, cold storage chains, and processing facilities. "Through revenue-sharing generated via the SOMTURK company, the benefits of this agreement will be reflected for both the Somali and Turkish people," Aden said, describing it as a model strategic partnership that opens new horizons for economic relations between the two nations.