Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdelh
Published on 2024-03-08 15:27:48
Turkiye and Somalia recently came together to sign an energy exploration and drilling agreement that focuses on the search for oil and gas reserves. This significant deal marks a major milestone in the relationship between the two allied states. The agreement was signed in Istanbul, where Turkiye’s Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, and Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, put their signatures on the document. The deal involves the harvesting of hydrocarbon reserves in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone and also grants Turkiye land exploration rights.
One key aspect of the agreement is that it allows Turkiye to develop Somalia’s maritime resources in the exclusive economic zone, which have remained untapped since the collapse of the Somali government back in the 1990s. The deal is expected to require significant efforts on the part of the Turkish government and the firms involved in the energy exploration and development process. However, it may take some time before substantial results are seen. As a similar deal with Libya in 2022 has shown minimal progress, there is a possibility of facing delays in the implementation of this agreement as well.
Turkiye has been actively involved in exploration and drilling efforts in the Black Sea region, where it has made several discoveries in recent years. This existing commitment in the Black Sea might impact the pace of progress in the new agreement with Somalia. The expert quoted by the UK-based news outlet, Middle East Eye, suggested that Turkiye could potentially use its petroleum drillship, Abdulhamit, in Somalia if necessary.
The energy agreement between Turkiye and Somalia comes on the heels of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, Somalia’s northern rival and breakaway state. The deal granted Ethiopia naval and commercial access to ports along Somaliland’s coast in exchange for recognition of its independence. Following this, Turkiye and Somalia solidified their partnership by signing a defense deal, where Turkiye committed to defending Somali waters against internal and external threats, including piracy and terrorism, for the next ten years.
In conclusion, the recent energy exploration and drilling agreement between Turkiye and Somalia marks a significant development in their alliance. Both countries are poised to benefit from this collaboration, with Turkiye gaining access to untapped energy resources in Somalia and Somalia receiving support in the development of its maritime resources. The future of this partnership holds promise, despite potential challenges that may arise along the way. Source: Middle East Monitor.
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