Monday June 16, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed
Moallim Fiqi, met with Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş in Mogadishu on Sunday
during a luncheon held in honor of the crew of the Oruc Reis, the Turkish oil
exploration vessel that has successfully concluded a 234-day seismic survey
mission off Somalia’s coast.

Minister Fiqi described the achievement as a milestone in
Somalia’s path toward economic independence and a symbol of the growing
strategic partnership between Somalia and Türkiye.

“This is not just an economic milestone; it is a declaration
of sovereignty and national strength,” Minister Fiqi stated.

The Oruc Reis, a seismic exploration vessel built by Turkish
engineers, completed its first intercontinental mission, according to Türkiye’s
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

Operating in Somalia’s offshore waters since October 25,
2024, the vessel conducted a three-dimensional seismic survey across three
distinct blocks, covering a total area of 4,464 square kilometers, the ministry
said in a press release.

The data collected during the mission will be analyzed in
Ankara to determine viable oil and natural gas drilling sites, raising hopes of
unlocking Somalia’s long-untapped energy potential.

Minister Fiqi emphasized that the success of the Oruc Reis
mission reflects the increasing capacity of Somalia’s institutions,
particularly in resource management and security, and highlighted the trust and
cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara as essential to Somalia’s development.