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Turkish President Erdogan meets Somali minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur in Ankara as the two nations deepen their strategic partnership in maritime infrastructure and offshore energy exploration. The closed-door meeting, held at the presidential complex, marks a significant milestone in the growing alliance between Türkiye and Somalia, particularly in the context of energy diplomacy and regional development.
The visit by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport comes on the heels of Türkiye’s expanding footprint in the Horn of Africa, with energy cooperation emerging as a central pillar of bilateral relations. According to diplomatic sources, discussions focused on advancing joint projects in offshore oil and gas exploration, port development, and maritime security. While no official statement was released, the timing of the meeting underscores the urgency and strategic importance both countries place on their energy partnership.
This engagement follows the deployment of Türkiye’s Oruc Reis seismic exploration vessel to Somalia’s offshore waters, where it recently completed a three-dimensional survey across three blocks covering over 4,400 square kilometers. The data, now under analysis in Ankara, is expected to determine the viability of oil and natural gas drilling in Somalia’s largely untapped maritime territory.
The energy collaboration is part of a broader framework that includes defense, infrastructure, and economic development. Türkiye already operates its largest embassy in the world in Mogadishu and maintains a military base and port management contracts in the Somali capital. The energy push adds a new layer to this relationship, positioning Somalia as a key partner in Ankara’s Africa strategy.
Minister Nur also held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan earlier in the week, further reinforcing the momentum behind the bilateral agenda. Sources close to the discussions say Somalia is seeking not only technical expertise but also long-term investment to help build its blue economy and reduce dependence on foreign fuel imports.
For Türkiye, the partnership offers access to strategic maritime routes and energy reserves that align with its broader geopolitical ambitions. Analysts note that Ankara’s approach—combining soft power, infrastructure investment, and military cooperation—has made it a preferred partner for several African nations seeking alternatives to traditional Western donors.
However, the growing alliance is not without its challenges. Rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over maritime access and territorial integrity have complicated regional dynamics. Türkiye, which maintains strong ties with both countries, has been attempting to mediate the dispute, but progress has been slow. The energy deal with Somalia, particularly the deployment of Turkish naval escorts alongside the Oruc Reis, has raised eyebrows in Addis Ababa and beyond.
Despite these tensions, both Türkiye and Somalia appear committed to pushing forward. President Erdogan has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and development goals. In return, Somali officials have welcomed Turkish investment as a catalyst for economic recovery and national resilience.
The meeting between Erdogan and Nur is expected to pave the way for further agreements, including joint ventures in energy infrastructure, training programs for Somali engineers, and expanded maritime security cooperation. As Somalia prepares to launch its first licensing round for offshore oil blocks, Turkish firms are likely to be among the frontrunners.
With energy cooperation now at the heart of their bilateral agenda, Türkiye and Somalia are charting a new course that could reshape the Horn of Africa’s economic and geopolitical landscape.