Turkey and Somalia Forge Closer Ties with Offshore Energy Deal

Turkey and Somalia have taken another significant step in their burgeoning partnership by signing an offshore oil and natural gas cooperation deal, as announced by the Turkish Energy Ministry on Thursday. This agreement, characterised as an inter-governmental pact, encompasses various aspects of oil exploration and production in Somalia’s land and sea blocks.

The Turkish Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, emphasised the mutual benefits of the deal, highlighting Turkey’s commitment to assisting Somalia in harnessing its resources for the benefit of its people. Notably, the agreement extends beyond exploration to include transportation, distribution, refining, and sales operations of oil and other products from both land and sea projects.

Turkey’s engagement with Somalia goes beyond energy cooperation. Over the years, Turkey has become a significant ally to Somalia, providing crucial support in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and security. The establishment of Turkey’s largest overseas military base in Mogadishu in 2017 underscores the depth of this partnership.

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In February, the two nations further solidified their ties with a defence and economic cooperation agreement, wherein Turkey pledged maritime security support to safeguard Somalia’s territorial waters.

The recent agreement aligns with Somalia’s strategic efforts to bolster its sovereignty and security amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. With Ethiopia’s recent memorandum of understanding with the self-declared state of Somaliland, Somalia has sought to fortify its position by forging alliances with powerful partners like Turkey.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted the significance of the defence pact in enhancing maritime security and promoting economic development in Somalia. The agreement is poised to facilitate the development of a capable naval force essential for safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity.

While some may interpret the deal as a response to regional dynamics, such as the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, it represents a culmination of years of cooperation and shared interests between Turkey and Somalia. Turkey’s commitment to Somalia extends beyond short-term gains, reflecting a long-term partnership aimed at mutual prosperity and security.

The agreement underscores Turkey’s evolving role in the region, leveraging its expertise and resources to support the development and stability of African nations like Somalia. As Somalia continues its journey towards political, social, and economic advancement, partnerships with allies like Turkey play a crucial role in realising its aspirations for a prosperous future.