During famine nobody heard us except Turkey

ANKARA

Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan has said that when the famine arose in her country, nobody had heard them except Turkey.

"When we had famine, nobody did listen to us, nobody did come to us in order to help. Your Prime Minister came with his family and cabinet, brought us those helps which uplifted us. It was such a change for the Somali people which we will never forget. It is Turkey which is now in every field. We are very grateful," Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan told AA correspondent in an exclusive interview.
Stating that Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud paid his first out-of-Africa visit to Turkey, Adan said Somalia's bilateral relations with Turkey went back to 14th century.  
"Turkey and Ottoman Empire have a very long history with us as a part of nation. During the 14th century when we had wars, regional Islamic wars, and when Europe invaded us, it actually was Ottoman Empire who supported us militarily to take part in our security. They fought side by side with us," she said.
Recalling criticisms that whether Turkey's supports to Somalia was worth it, "they do not know how grateful we are. Of course it was worth it. Somali children always sing Turkey, Turkey, Turkey" Adan said.
Noting that Somalia had lots of potential, "We want Turkey to lead on the development of Somalia in the military and economic cooperation and help us to stand and walk. We are very thankful to Turkish people, to the nation and people who mobilized recourses against famine. Schools and hospitals have been built, and we are getting support in every sector from Turkey. With this help, soon you will see Somalia doing the right things in terms of development and walking back to the international arena" the minister said.
Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan for the first time in Somali history has been appointed as a female foreign minister. 
Stating that being first woman deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Somalia had lots of meaning, "As one friend wrote in his article 'Small step for Adan but giant step for Somalia'. Its historic and it will give a lot of chance to the young and educated people of Somalia. They would never think to reach such a thing," the minister said.