Turkey’s Erdogan opens key Somalia forum

ISTANBUL, Turkey-Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has officially opened a High Level Partnership Forum in Istanbul on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

The sixth Somali compact forum will be held between Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 with participation from 50 countries, international agencies and UN bodies in Istanbul.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament are attending the 6th High Level Partnership Forum.

In his opening remarks at the plenary session, President Erdogan called for the implementation of key 2016 milestones, saying stability is vital for Somalia progress.

Using Somali saying that goes: “Water in your hand can quench your thirst,” he stressed that Somalia could be helped get back. The Turkish leader urged international community to play active role in the recovery of East African country.

Morning event has focused on gender, peace, security and youth, besides exploring sustainable economic opportunity and employment.

On Monday, Istanbul hosted Somalia-Turkey business and investment forum.

First lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan and Somalia’s Qamar Omar Ali staged a separate session dubbed ‘Somali women matter’ in support of Somali women.

Erdogan is held up as the first non-African leader to visit Somalia at the height of ravaging famine in 2011 on which he paved the way for unprecedented Turkish.

GAROWEONLINE