President Mohamud meets his Turkish counterpart in Ankara

The two leaders discussed a range of issues including strengthening the ties between their countries, and ways in which Turkey can play a leading role in boosting security, military and economy of Somalia.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with Mr Gul shortly after their meeting, president Mohamud said cooperation on security matters and scaling up Turkish developmental projects in Somalia were among top issues they discussed during the talks.

President Gul on his side stated that the talks ended successfully as anticipated and promised to continue supporting Somalia.

President Mohamud who is on an official four-day trip to Turkey is also expected to meet Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan and several other senior Turkish government officials on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fauzia Yussuf Hajji, Defence Minister Abdikarin Mohamoud Fiqi and Finance and National Planning Minister Mohamoud Hassan Saleban are among the president’s delegation in Turkey.

It is the first time the president has travelled to Turkey since he was voted into office early last September.