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Turkey and Somalia sign onshore exploration deal, expanding energy partnership
Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkey and Somalia have taken a major step in their economic partnership by signing a new deal for onshore oil and gas exploration, signalling a transformative phase in Somalia's quest for resource-driven growth.
Friday October 25, 2024
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, flanked by Somali military officials, walks past an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Mogadishu to mark Turkey’s ongoing cooperation with Somalia. The ceremony underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations, including their recent agreements in defense and energy sectors. CREDIT / SONNA
Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkey and Somalia have taken a major step in their economic partnership by signing a new deal for onshore oil and gas exploration, signalling a transformative phase in Somalia's quest for resource-driven growth.
Turkey's state-owned energy company, TPAO, and Somalia's petroleum authority signed the agreement in Mogadishu on Friday.
The agreement will deploy Turkey's Oruc Reis vessel for seismic surveys off Somalia's coast, advancing efforts to harness the nation's untapped energy potential.
The arrival of the Oruc Reis seismic vessel at the Port of Mogadishu marks the launch of offshore surveys, advancing Somalia's resource exploration plans. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who attended the vessel's reception, underscored Turkey's commitment to supporting Somalia's energy aspirations. "With this agreement, we will conduct oil and gas research operations on Somali land fields," Bayraktar stated.
Turkey's support for Somalia has extended beyond economics into education, healthcare, and security, with Turkish aid establishing schools, hospitals, and public utilities throughout Somalia. In 2017, Turkey opened its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu to train Somali security forces, reinforcing its position as one of Somalia's closest allies.
Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, outlined the project's next steps, detailing the seismic data collection planned under the agreement. Initiated during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's earlier term in 2013, the resource development program has advanced significantly, with the Oruc Reis now set to conduct 3D seismic surveys to identify potential oil and gas reserves. Mohamed noted that the venture's success could drive economic self-sufficiency for Somalia.
Information Minister Daud Aweys Jama spoke on the broader impact, describing the Oruc Reis mission as a historic chance for Somalia to overcome economic hardships. He emphasized that the groundwork laid by Somali and Turkish officials sets a foundation for sustainable progress, stating, "The arrival of the Oruc Reis symbolizes an unprecedented opportunity for Somalia to address prolonged economic issues."
Somalia and Turkey signed a broad Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Agreement in July 2024 that allows Turkish companies exclusive rights to explore and produce petroleum in three offshore blocks in Somalia.
The partnership with Turkey offers Somalia a chance to overcome decades of economic challenges and establish a foothold in the energy sector.
Caption for the Second Image: Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Abdirisak Omar Mohamed, shakes hands with Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar upon the latter’s arrival in Mogadishu. The two ministers discussed the latest energy exploration deal between the two nations, further solidifying Turkey's role in Somalia's resource development. CREDIT / SONNA
