Turkey and Somalia Launch Implementation of Long-Standing Labor Agreement

Historic Agreement Enters Implementation Phase

Ankara, Turkey – Turkey and Somalia officially launched the implementation of a long-standing bilateral agreement focused on labor markets and social protection on Tuesday, January 14, 2026. The ceremony, held in the Turkish capital, marked the formal commencement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was originally signed in June 2016 but had remained largely inactive for nearly a decade.

The event saw the participation of high-level officials from both nations, including Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, and Somali Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Prof. Salim Aliyoow Ibro. Also in attendance were Somalia's Ambassador to Türkiye, Fathudin Ali Mohamed Ospite, and the Director General of the Somali Ministry, Yusuf Hassan, alongside other delegates.

Key Pillars of Cooperation Outlined

The launch involved the signing of the 'Türkiye-Somalia Joint Labor Commission First Meeting Protocol and the 2026–2027 Action Plan.' This comprehensive action plan outlines 15 specific points for implementation over the next two years, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation across various critical areas.

The primary areas of focus include:

• Job creation and employment opportunities
• Skills development and vocational training
• Occupational health and safety (OSH)
• Labor inspections
• Effective management of labor migration
• Development of national occupational standards
• Advancement of social services

Minister Işıkhan emphasized that the action plan is designed to elevate existing collaboration to 'a more advanced level' by providing a sustainable legal framework for the exchange of expertise, documents, and technical personnel between the two ministries.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Capacity Building

The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen Somalia's labor institutions and improve services for workers, allowing Somalia to benefit from Türkiye's extensive experience and technical support. Minister Ibro highlighted that the partnership reflects the 'strong and enduring brotherly ties' between the two nations.

This labor cooperation aligns with Türkiye's broader engagement in Somalia, which encompasses various sectors such as infrastructure investment, humanitarian aid, security cooperation, trade, and education. The Somali Council of Ministers had ratified the pact in July 2025, following a series of high-level preparatory meetings held in Doha late last year.

Looking Ahead

Officials from both sides have committed to implementing the agreement under a clear timetable, with regular technical meetings and exchanges of experts to monitor progress. The newly activated roadmap aims to foster sustainable development and social stability in Somalia through enhanced labor market governance and capacity building.