Turkey Secures Rights to Explore Oil and Gas in Three Somali Blocks, Seeks Troop Deployment

Jul 19, 2024, 08:30 AM

Turkey has secured rights to explore for natural gas and oil in three offshore blocks within Somalia's territorial waters as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between the two countries. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) signed the exploration contracts, and the state-of-the-art seismic research vessel, MTA Oruç Reis, is scheduled to depart for Somalia at the end of September. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Turkey will explore hydrocarbon resources and can produce if found in the three blocks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking authorization from the Turkish Parliament for troop deployment to Somali waters to accompany the exploration activities. The motion requests a two-year mandate, subject to renewal.