Türkiye and Somalia Sign Major Energy Deal to Explore Hydrocarbons Off Somali Coast

Türkiye and Somalia solidified their close relations with the signing of a significant energy agreement in Istanbul on Thursday. The accord was inked by Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed.

Minister Bayraktar announced that Türkiye would dispatch its research vessel, Oruç Reis, for seismic studies off the Somali coast later this year, marking a pivotal step in bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting Türkiye’s advancements in the energy sector over the past eight years, Bayraktar noted the country’s achievements in natural gas exploration, including major discoveries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and the increasing production from the Sakarya Gas Field and the Gabar oil field in southeastern Türkiye.

“Our country’s needs are expanding, necessitating more active engagement in both domestic and international exploration,” Bayraktar said, as quoted by public broadcaster TRT Haber. He emphasized Türkiye’s strategy to partner with other nations in oil and gas exploration through its national companies.

The latest agreement builds on a deal signed in March for offshore oil and natural gas cooperation, following a defense pact earlier this year. This new Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Agreement between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the Somali Petroleum Authority will see TPAO undertake exploration activities in three blocks within Somali maritime territories.

Bayraktar detailed that two of these blocks are approximately 50 kilometers offshore, with the third located 100 kilometers out. The initial phase will involve 3D seismic activities, slated to begin with the deployment of Oruç Reis and support ships by late September or early October. These operations will involve drilling activities up to 7 kilometers from the sea’s surface, requiring a specialized team of around 50 personnel and five support vessels, accompanied by naval forces.

The Turkish minister expressed optimism about potential discoveries resulting from these studies, stating, “We hope that this work will result in a discovery after drilling.”

Earlier this year, Türkiye and Somalia also signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement, with Türkiye committing to bolster maritime security for Somalia. Türkiye has been a key ally to Somalia, investing in various sectors including education, infrastructure, and health, along with providing substantial humanitarian aid.

The strategic energy partnership marks another chapter in the deepening relations between Türkiye and Somalia, promising mutual benefits and enhanced cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.