By: Yusuf M HasanHARGEISA (Somalilandsun) - Turkish airlines plans to start flights to and from Somaliland as part of its operational expansion in the Horn Africa region.
This will make Turkish airways the only international airliner plying the route since Ethiopia Airlines withdrew following a bomb attack by Al-shabaab in 2008.
A visiting Turkish delegation Somaliland in what it said was to strengthen existing relations by providing technical and social aid also revealed plans to have their country's national carrier plying the Somaliland route.
"An international flight by national carrier Turkish Airlines, which started plying the Mogadishu route earlier this month, is also planned, Amb Torun said.
It is the second such visit to by Turkish officials in two weeks to Somaliland, following an earlier visit by TIKA.
Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Hani Torun, the leader of the delegation, said that Turkey and Somaliland enjoyed strong relations.
"Our assistance will have impact on agriculture, health and education," he said, adding that an assessment team from his country was due in Hargeisa soon to determine the sectors to be targeted.
"Upcoming investments will include international flight to Somaliland by Turkish Airlines," he said without setting a date.
Turkey will assist Somaliland to repair the general hospital in Hargeisa and two schools teaching Turkish curriculum.
Archaeological and historical sites in Somaliland with links to the Ottoman Empire that ruled the northern regions of Somalia in the 18th century would also benefit.
The ambassador visited the port town of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden that hosts historical sites like mosques and other ancient buildings from the days of the empire.
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