The Turkish government has officially denied reports circulating on social media that Ankara is seeking to gain special benefits from Somalia’s energy resources, especially in matters related to oil exploration.
A statement from the Turkish Presidency’s Counter-Fake News Center stated that the agreement between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the Somali Petroleum Agency clearly states that natural resources are the property of the Somali people.
It was also noted that the cooperation between the two countries is based on clear law and the principle of mutual benefit.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Somalia recently announced that the Turkish oil drilling vessel, “Çağrı Bey”, has set sail from the southern Turkish port of Mersin, bound for Somali waters to begin oil exploration activities.
Somali officials described the move as a historic one that marks the country’s recovery and the beginning of the official exploitation of its natural resources, after many years of challenges.
Reports say the ship’s journey will take about 45 days, before drilling the well known as “Korad-1” begins next April. The project is part of agreements that give Turkey the rights to explore and produce oil in several parts of the Somali sea.
