Erdogan and Mohamud Meet in Istanbul: Strategic Energy Move Between Türkiye and Somalia
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at his working office in Istanbul, reaffirming the unwavering alliance between the two nations. During the meeting, vital issues ranging from the discovery of energy resources and military training to increasing trade volume and regional stability were discussed.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at his working office in Istanbul, reaffirming the unwavering alliance between the two nations. During the meeting, vital issues ranging from the discovery of energy resources and military training to increasing trade volume and regional stability were discussed.
A New Chapter in the Seas: Cagri Bey in Somali Waters
The most striking agenda item of the summit was the official commencement of oil and natural gas exploration activities by the Turkish deep-sea drilling vessel Cagri Bey off the coast of Somalia. President Erdoğan stated that this operation is not only an engineering achievement but also the most concrete symbol of the deepening strategic ties between the two countries. Launched under the energy agreement signed in 2024, this project marks Türkiye’s first deep-sea exploration initiative in international waters.
Full Support for Territorial Integrity and a Message of Mediation
During the meeting, Türkiye’s commitment to Somalia’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity was once again expressed at the highest level. Erdoğan emphasized that Ankara remains determined to provide all forms of diplomatic support and generate solutions to end the tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, which have recently escalated and threatened regional peace.
Gratitude from Somalia to Türkiye
President Mohamud expressed his gratitude for the leading role Türkiye has played over the past decade in rebuilding Somalia, training security units, and improving social services. Both leaders described the offshore oil exploration move as a "milestone" on the path to economic development and declared that their strategic cooperation would continue uninterrupted.
Senior Officials in Attendance
Key figures from the Turkish delegation, including Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalın, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, were present at this critical meeting where the future vision was outlined. Having become the most reliable partner in the Horn of Africa, Türkiye further consolidated its economic and diplomatic influence in the region with this visit.