Türkiye and Somalia sign labor cooperation protocol, launch 2026–2027 action plan

Türkiye and Somalia have formally enacted a labor cooperation agreement, establishing a joint commission and a two-year action plan covering occupational safety, labor migration, and vocational training.
Türkiye and Somalia have officially launched a structured labor partnership by signing the “Türkiye-Somalia Joint Labor Commission First Meeting Protocol and the 2026–2027 Action Plan.” The agreement, which entered force following a meeting in Ankara, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas including labor inspections, occupational health and safety, labor migration management, and vocational training.
Strategic Cooperation Across Labor Sectors
Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Isikhan and Somali Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Salim Alio Ibro presided over the inaugural meeting of the joint commission. Isikhan emphasized that the action plan is designed to elevate existing collaboration to “a more advanced level” by providing a sustainable legal framework for the exchange of expertise, documents, and technical personnel between the two ministries. The protocol reflects the strategic depth that bilateral relations have gained in recent years.
Focus on Capacity Building and Standards Development
A central component of the cooperation involves sharing Türkiye’s institutional experience to support Somalia in developing national occupational standards and strengthening labor market governance. The two-year roadmap is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer in critical areas such as effective labor migration management and improving workplace safety—a priority for Somalia as it continues to rebuild its institutions and economy.
Broader Context of Türkiye-Somalia Relations
The labor agreement aligns with Türkiye’s broader engagement in Somalia, which encompasses infrastructure investment, humanitarian aid, security cooperation, and diplomatic support. By formalizing collaboration in social policy and employment, both nations aim to foster sustainable development and social stability. The establishment of the joint commission also creates a regular dialogue mechanism that could adapt to evolving priorities in the coming years.
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