By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Foreign ministry officials and officials from Turkey and Somaliland are w
orking on opening an office of Turkish Foreign Ministry in the capital city Hargeisa within upcoming months
This was revealed by the Somaliland foreign minister Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar during an interview with Todays Zaman on Friday in Ankara where he also revealed that the ‘Security of Somaliland allows Turkish investors to come and invest in various untapped sectors’
“A key element [to improve bilateral relations] is to have a clear point of contact between Turkey and Somaliland,” said Omar underlining the importance of the Turkish office and added,” Once there is a Turkish office in Somaliland and a Somaliland’s office in Turkey, those two offices will help the coordination of the bilateral relations in the areas of economy, development and investment.
The Somaliland foreign minister also stated that a Turkish Airline from İstanbul to Hargeisa was expected to be launched once the Hargeisa airport is completed in June. He said Istanbul-Hargeisa flight has the potential to take relations to a different stage.
‘Security of Somaliland allows Turkish investors to come and invest in’
“Somaliland has rich natural resources, including natural gas, petroleum and minerals as well. It is a key area where we are looking for Turkish investors. We also have huge potential in fishing industry and that is another area we are looking for Turkish investors,” noted Omar.
He added that currently Turkish companies were exploring petroleum in the areas, yet investors to fishing industry were also expected from Turkey. Omar added that Somaliland has huge fishing deposits in its seas which are underutilized. “I think that a key area where Turkish investors and Turkish technology can help us explore those resources and export them to international markets,” he added.
When asked about the situation of security in the area, Omar said Somaliland has been secure and stable for quite a long time. Noting that there are a high numbers of international companies in Somaliland now, Omar said the security of Somaliland allows for Turkish investors to come in and invest in.
Follow this link to Read the full interview http://www.todayszaman.com/news-312485-somaliland-fm-calls-for-more-cooperation-with-somalia-ahead-of-tripartite-ankara-talks.html
