Türkiye and Somalia discuss energy cooperation in strategic Istanbul talks

Türkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, held talks with Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, in Istanbul on Monday. The ministers reviewed ongoing hydrocarbon exploration activities in Somalia and discussed plans to deepen bilateral energy cooperation, ahead of an upcoming visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Türkiye.

Building Strategic Energy Partnerships in Africa

In a statement following the meeting, Minister Bayraktar emphasized the strategic importance of the relationship. "We are building Türkiye-Somalia energy cooperation on solid foundations," he stated. Bayraktar added, "As Türkiye, we view Somalia as one of our most important partners in Africa, and we believe that our cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector will hopefully open the doors to a new era in the near future."

Focus on Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development

The discussions focused on the current status of oil and gas exploration efforts, both onshore and offshore in Somalia. The talks also covered operational plans for the next phase of collaboration, indicating a move from exploration toward potential future development projects. This cooperation is part of Türkiye's broader economic and diplomatic engagement with Somalia, which includes significant development aid, infrastructure projects, and military training support.

Timing Ahead of High-Level Diplomatic Visit

The ministerial meeting sets the stage for the forthcoming diplomatic visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Türkiye. The talks in Istanbul are expected to help outline a concrete agenda for energy and resource cooperation that can be advanced during the presidential summit. This deepening partnership occurs against a backdrop of regional geopolitical shifts, including recent international disputes over the status of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland.