On June 3, Somali received a game changing delegation from Turkey. The plane carrying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan together with his wife, Emine, and a large delegation landed at the city’s sea front airport.
The dignitaries were received by a galaxy of Somali officials, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud. The occasion was akin to a homecoming of long-lost nationals.
Besides President Mohamoud, those who lined up to shake the hands of the Turkish delegation included the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Mr Mohamed Osman Jawari, the Prime Minister Mr Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, Cabinet ministers and MPs.
Even regional leaders from Puntland, Jubaland, Southwest and Galmudug states lined up to welcome President Erdogan and his delegation.
“Kudos and keep the good spirit,” chanted the people lining up along the road and waving both the Somali and the Turkish flags.
The story of the good fortunes was taking another turn.
Gigantic embassy
Amid tight security by the Somali law enforcers and the peacekeepers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) and a unit of Turkish law enforcers, the Turkish delegation was driven to Mogadishu’s northern Abdulaziz District where President Erdogan and his Somali counterpart jointly opened a gigantic premise meant to house the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu.
.
.
___________________________