Somalia, Turkey Discuss Security Cooperation

ANKARA - Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu met with the Minister of Internal Security of Somalia, Mohamed Abukar Islow on Wednesday in Ankara.

Security Minister Abukar Hassan Islow arrived in the Turkish capital to hold "important and productive" official talks with Turkish authorities. He was welcomed by Soylu and his delegation.

"We are striving to bring the two countries' bilateral relations to a better level -- from development assistance to humanitarian aid and cooperation in security," Soylu said.

Both ministers also expressed their satisfaction on the realization of bilateral agreements signed between Somalia and Turkey in 2018.

Soylu hailed the relations with Somalia, saying Turkey regards them as "fraternal rather than diplomatic".

"The history of our relations will be written in golden letters," he added.

'Somali people won't forget'

Islow for his part said the Somali people will never forget Turkey being the first country to help them tackle the humanitarian crisis during the 2011 drought.

"We have had a difficult time and our friends didn't let us down. It's impossible for us to forget that and it is Allah who will reward all the good we have received," he added.

Islow also said his country is ready to reach out if there would be a day when Turkey needs help and invited Soylu to visit Somalia.

Upon the invitation, Soylu said he will visit the East African nation after March.