MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey hails the start of oil and gas exploration in Somalia as a groundbreaking development, marking the beginning of a transformative period. Over the weekend, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan dispatched vessels to scour Somalia’s coast for valuable resources.
Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized that deploying the Oruc Reis, a research ship, would bolster Turkey’s energy advancement, pitting it against global contenders.
During a ceremonial send-off, President Erdoğan and Minister Bayraktar observed the vessel’s embarkation on its significant mission to Somali waters.
“We’ve just witnessed a momentous occasion,” Bayraktar shared on X.
“We launched our Oruç Reis seismic research ship from the Bosporus headed to Somalia, ushering in a new age of offshore oil and gas exploration,” he remarked.
“With our seasoned expertise and robust infrastructure, we’re stepping into the global stage. We’re resolutely moving toward complete energy independence by diversifying our resources,” he continued.
A March agreement between Somalia and Turkey grants Turkey exclusive exploration rights along Somalia’s coast. According to Turkish officials, the vessel is slated to reach Somalia’s coast before month’s end.
The Oruç Reis, unveiled in 2017, stands as a testament to Turkish ingenuity, fully realized by Turkish designers, engineers, and workers, reports Daily Sabah.
Somalia, abundant in untapped energy reserves, sees this initiative as pivotal, expressing gratitude to Turkey for its unwavering partnership, the Somali Foreign Ministry stated.
The ministry further indicated that this collaboration would boost Somalia’s economic growth and strengthen its energy industry.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Abdirizak Mohamed praised the mission, stating, “Today marks a significant chapter for Turkey and Somalia as the Oruc Reis commenced its 3D seismic survey journey from Istanbul to offshore Somalia.”
AXADLETM
