Turkey to Explore Oil Blocks Offshore Somalia

SEATTLE (Oil Monster):  Turkey has announced plans to explore oil blocks offshore Somalia. Further to the plan, the country has decided to send research vessel Oruc Reis to explore offshore oil blocks belonging to Somalia next month. The move is expected to extend the Turkish influence in the African region, thereby strengthening the region’s energy security.

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The Turkish administration has been showing increased interest in exploring the vast mineral wealth in the African region, which in turn could lead to significant growth in regional economy. The country has been keen on finalizing deals in the mining and energy sectors. Currently, Turkey’s key trading partners in the African region include Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria. The move to make further inroads into Somalia is considered as a wider part of its African strategy.

Turkey is currently a mediator between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia too has been a key partner of Turkey. A resolution of the dispute between the two countries is critical for Turkey to begin exploiting oil reserves in the region. A potential deal will help Turkey cement its role in East Africa’s political front and deepen diplomatic ties across the entire African continent.