Somalia’s first offshore oil drilling campaign carries both economic and geopolitical significance, a top Somali official said on Sunday.
“If successful, it could strengthen Somalia's prospects for resource-led growth while also reinforcing Türkiye's role as a trusted long-term partner in the country's development,” Ali Omar, the state minister for foreign affairs, said in a statement.
He said it is a moment that could reshape Somalia’s economic horizon and regional energy dynamics.
His remarks come as the Turkish drill ship Cagri Bey arrived in the Horn of Africa country’s territorial waters to begin the first offshore drilling in Somalia, according to state media.
Oil and gas exploration
The Cagri Bey departed from the southern port of Tasucu in Mersin in February and is expected begin drilling at the Curad-1 well this month.
In 2024 Türkiye and Somalia signed agreements covering onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration. The Turkish seismic vessel Oruc Reis previously completed surveys in three offshore blocks.
