By RAED BADAVVI-
Kalo Africa Media Correspondent – Doha, Qatar
A high-level Turkish delegation led by the Vice President of the Turkish Space Agency has arrived in Somalia for meetings and field visits, marking a new development in bilateral cooperation involving space technology, advanced industries and defence-related capabilities.
According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the delegation is headed by Fatih Dulkan, Vice President of the Turkish Space Agency, and includes representatives from Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, defence industry institutions and aerospace and defence manufacturer ROKETSAN.
The official Somali news agency reported on Sunday that the delegation had held meetings and inspected ongoing activities in Mogadishu and the coastal town of Warsheikh.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Traditional Sectors
The visit reflects the increasingly diverse nature of cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia.
While bilateral relations have traditionally included security assistance, education, infrastructure and economic development, space technology and advanced industrial activities are becoming additional areas of engagement.
The participation of officials from several Turkish institutions highlights the involvement of different sectors in the expanding partnership.
ROKETSAN’s inclusion is particularly relevant because the company is involved in Türkiye’s aerospace and rocket technology industries.
However, the official announcement did not specify the company’s responsibilities during the visit or identify any new contracts.
Field Visits in Mogadishu and Warsheikh
SONNA confirmed that the delegation inspected ongoing activities in Mogadishu and Warsheikh.
The coastal town has attracted attention in connection with Türkiye’s plans to develop space launch infrastructure in Somalia.
Earlier this week, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır outlined the geographical and economic advantages of establishing launch facilities near the equator.
He estimated that such a location could reduce rocket launch costs compared with launches from Turkish territory.
The latest delegation visit follows those remarks, although SONNA did not explicitly identify the facilities inspected or provide technical details about the activities underway.
Technology and Industrial Partnership
The delegation’s composition reflects the range of Turkish institutions involved in discussions concerning technological and industrial cooperation with Somalia.
The visit also demonstrates continuing official engagement as the two countries explore opportunities in sectors requiring advanced technical expertise.
For Somalia, the development places space technology among the emerging dimensions of its relationship with Türkiye.
For Ankara, cooperation with Somalia forms part of its broader efforts to develop international partnerships supporting technological and industrial ambitions.
Further Announcements Awaited
The Somali National News Agency did not disclose the financial value of any projects discussed during the visit.
It also did not announce new agreements, construction milestones or operational launch schedules.
The immediate significance of the visit therefore lies in the confirmed presence of a senior Turkish technical delegation and its meetings and field inspections.
Further official announcements will be needed to establish whether the discussions result in additional projects or specific implementation commitments.
The visit was reported by the Somali National News Agency on October 25, 2026.
