Turkey attaches great importance to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and stability of Somalia, a country with whom we have close relations since Ottoman Empire. Turkey believes that immediate establishment of stability in Somalia is also crucial in terms of the security of the region and global peace. Turkey continues to take concrete steps with a view to providing peace and stability in Somalia.

In this vein, Istanbul II Conference on Somalia, under the theme “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015” is to be held in close cooperation with the United Nations in İstanbul on 31 May - 1 June 2012.

The Conference is expected to be attended by high level participants from fifty-four countries at the level of President, Prime Minister and Minister, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations, including the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

On the first day of the Conference, four Partnership Forums will be held on the topics of “Water”, “Energy“, “Road” and “Resilience” with the participation of bureaucrats, experts and businessmen. Conclusions of Partnership Forums are planned to be reflected in the Declaration of the Conference.

On the second day of the Conference, the opening speeches will be delivered by the Prime Minister of Turkey, the UN Secretary General and the President of Somalia. There will be a discussion with the participation of high level officials on the possible additional steps to conclude the Transition Period that Somali is going through until August 2012. Also, views will be exchanged concerning short and medium term strategies on the Post-Transition Period.

Turkey is of the opinion that solutions to the problems of Somalia can only be found through the recipes that people of Somalia will formulate. In this context, representatives from all segments of the Somali society will have the opportunity to discuss the future of their country and determine the steps that can be taken in the coming period by meeting in Istanbul before the İstanbul Conference.

The Official Web Site of Istanbul II Conference on Somalia