By: Dawan Africa

Somalia and Turkey have taken steps to deepen their energy partnership following a high-level meeting between their respective ministers in Istanbul. Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed and Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar convened to review joint hydrocarbon exploration activities in Somalia’s terrestrial and offshore areas and to outline operational plans for the near future.

In a statement, Bayraktar emphasized that energy cooperation between the two countries is being built on “solid foundations,” describing Somalia as a key partner in Africa. He expressed confidence that collaboration in hydrocarbons would usher in a new phase of growth and prosperity for both nations.

The discussions also covered potential investments, technical cooperation, and upcoming joint projects in the energy sector. The meeting precedes Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s official visit to Turkey, highlighting the growing strategic alignment between Ankara and Mogadishu.

Beyond energy, the ministers explored cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, security, and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with Somalia’s broader reconstruction and development priorities. The partnership signals Turkey’s expanding regional energy role and Somalia’s efforts to leverage its untapped natural resources for economic recovery.