Somalia Grants Türkiye Rights for Oil and Gas Exploration in Three Offshore Blocks

Türkiye has secured rights to explore for natural gas and oil in three offshore blocks within Somalia’s territorial waters.

The MTA Oruç Reis, a state-of-the-art seismic research vessel, is scheduled to depart for Somalia at the end of September. It will be accompanied by support ships to assist in the exploration efforts.

In February 2024, Türkiye and Somalia signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding to strengthen their defence and maritime security partnership.

Under the deal, Türkiye will oversee the reconstruction, equipping, and training of the Somali naval forces. Additionally, Türkiye will receive 30% of the revenue generated from Somalia’s exclusive economic zone, which covers a substantial maritime area rich in resources. This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening maritime security and economic cooperation between the two nations.

This is intended to help Somalia better police its territorial waters and combat issues like illegal fishing and piracy.