Türkiye has launched an ambitious project to build a spaceport in Somalia following the completion of feasibility and design studies to that effect, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır revealed on Friday.
The project is being touted as part of Türkiye’s grand scheme to develop and expand its space industry and enhance its standing globally.
It follows President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s promise to build a spaceport in Somalia while meeting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul.
Somalia has since allocated the site for the project which is being implemented under a cooperation agreement between Mogadishu and Ankara.
The role of the facility when completed will be a launching site for Türkish rockets and be integrated into the global commercial space market.
The official Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency, quoted Kacır as saying that Somalia was chosen to host the port after extensive feasibility studies showed it to be best suited for this purpose thanks to its location near the equator with its technical advantages for space launch activities.
WN/as/APA