Turkey’s Oruc Reis vessel has completed 50% of its seismic studies off Somalia’s coast. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar met with Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum to discuss joint exploration efforts. They announced a new cooperative phase in mining, emphasizing closer relations and enhanced collaboration in energy sectors. The studies, lasting 6-7 months, aim to identify potential drilling sites.
Turkey’s Oruc Reis vessel has now completed half of its seismic studies offshore Somalia, according to Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The vessel docked in Mogadishu last October to conduct its oil and natural gas exploration mission. Bayraktar met with Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, in Istanbul to discuss the progression of exploration activities.
During their meeting, the two ministers explored opportunities for enhancing collaboration in both energy and mining sectors. Bayraktar announced the initiation of a new cooperative process focused on mining, aiming to strengthen the relationship between Turkey and Somalia. He stated, “We will continue our efforts to bring our cooperation in energy and mining to a level worthy of the close and sincere relations between our countries.”
The Oruc Reis vessel is carrying out three-dimensional seismic studies in Somali waters, which are expected to take six to seven months. The data collected during this period will be analyzed in Ankara to pinpoint potential drilling sites for oil and gas extraction.
The Oruc Reis vessel is part of Turkey’s broader ambitions to explore and potentially develop natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas in offshore regions. Somalia presents significant opportunities due to its under-explored maritime territory. The cooperation between Turkey and Somalia is bolstered through ministerial discussions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in energy and mining ventures. This partnership underscores the strategic importance of natural resource exploration in strengthening bilateral relations.
In summary, Turkey’s Oruc Reis vessel is halfway through its seismic studies in Somalia, which marks a significant step in energy exploration. The recent discussions between Turkey and Somalia’s ministers highlight ongoing efforts to boost collaboration in energy and mining sectors, reflecting a commitment to develop resource potential and strengthen bilateral ties. The cooperation aims to harness significant underwater resources, vital for both nations’ economic landscapes.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
