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The research vessel from Turkiye Oruç Reis has reached the Somali coast to conduct seismic surveys aimed at exploring potential oil and natural gas reserves. Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the vessel’s arrival on October 25, 2024, and is scheduled to join Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at a welcoming ceremony later today.
The Oruç Reis will undertake three-dimensional seismic studies across three areas for which Türkiye has secured exploration licenses from the Somali government. The seven-month mission will collect data on potential oil and gas sites, which will later be analyzed in Ankara to determine viable drilling locations.
New Milestone in Türkiye-Somalia Cooperation
Türkiye’s increasing presence in Somalia underscores a strategic partnership between the two nations. Earlier this year, Türkiye and Somalia signed several agreements facilitating energy exploration. Under these memorandums, Turkish Petroleum secured rights to three offshore zones, each spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers. Minister Bayraktar referred to the deployment of Oruç Reis as a “historic era” for Türkiye’s energy ambitions.
Türkiye’s Expanding Global Energy Partnerships
In addition to its activities in Somalia, Türkiye has been actively seeking to expand its energy footprint. Türkiye’s national oil company already has operations in Northern Iraq, with plans to explore further in Iraq’s Basra region and Libya. Bayraktar also highlighted recent partnerships, including an agreement with Sao Tome and Principe, paving the way for future exploration in Central Africa.
As Türkiye strengthens its global partnerships, its ambitions are aligned with advancing both regional and international energy security.