Puntland, Turkey resolve MV Sea World dispute following diplomatic talks

BOSASO, Somalia — The president of Puntland state, Said Abdullahi Deni, met Monday with Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş and a high-level delegation in the port city of Bosaso to resolve a dispute over the MV Sea World, according to a statement from the Puntland presidency.

The meeting focused on strengthening the long-standing relations between Puntland and Turkey, with particular attention given to the MV Sea World, a vessel carrying weapons that was intercepted off Puntland’s coast on July 18.

“After reviewing verified evidence confirming that the ship’s cargo legally belongs to the Republic of Turkey, Puntland has decided to transfer responsibility for the vessel and its contents to the Turkish authorities,” the Puntland presidency said in an official statement.

The Comoros-flagged cargo vessel was intercepted by Puntland’s Maritime Police Force (PMPF) on July 18 near the coastal town of Bareda in Somalia’s northeastern Gardafuu region, Puntland authorities said.

The ship, named Sea World, had reportedly departed from the Turkish port of Izmir and was en route to Mogadishu. It was found to be carrying armoured vehicles, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), and anti-aircraft guns, many of which bore Turkish military markings, according to Puntland officials.

The Turkish delegation’s visit followed weeks of back-channel discussions regarding the vessel’s seizure, during which Ankara provided documentation asserting ownership of all cargo aboard the MV Sea World.

Officials on both sides hailed the resolution as a diplomatic success and a sign of deepening bilateral cooperation. Turkey has played a prominent role in Somalia’s reconstruction efforts, especially in areas of trade, infrastructure, and security.

Turkish officials expressed appreciation for Puntland’s handling of the case, calling it professional and respectful, and reiterated Turkey’s commitment to supporting Puntland and the Somali people more broadly.

GAROWE ONLINE