Turkey and Somalia have solidified their growing partnership by signing a significant onshore oil and gas exploration deal, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Thursday.
Turkish Petroleum is set to commence exploration activities in three key Somali onshore fields, covering approximately 16,000 square kilometres, within the coming months.
The agreement, signed in Ankara with the Somali Petroleum Authority, marks a pivotal step in resource development for the East African nation.
Minister Bayraktar explained that the initial phase will involve comprehensive seismic studies, paving the way for subsequent drilling operations.
The ultimate aim is to discover and produce valuable oil and gas resources within these promising fields.
Turkey’s seismic vessel, Oruç Reis, is already conducting offshore three-dimensional seismic surveys in Somali waters under a previous agreement, with approximately 78% of the work completed.
Data from these offshore studies will inform future drilling decisions.
Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Dahir Shire Mohamed, hailed the agreement as a “historic day”, emphasising the commitment of both nations’ presidents to Somalia’s progress.
He noted that a team will soon mobilise to Somalia to prepare for the upcoming exploration work.
Minister Mohamed expressed optimism that, with Turkey’s support, Somalia can develop its natural resources after decades of instability.
He also indicated future collaborations in the mining sector, once the necessary regulations are in place.
Istanbul is set to host an International Natural Resources Summit on 2 May, fostering further global cooperation in the energy and mining sectors.
