Türkiye has strongly denied claims that its energy agreements with Somalia are designed to benefit only Ankara. Turkish officials described the accusations circulating on social media as “clear disinformation” meant to damage the relationship between the two countries.
The statement came from Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications after criticism suggested that Ankara was trying to gain one-sided advantages from oil exploration projects in Somalia.
At the center of the discussion is the Turkish deep-sea drilling ship Çağrı Bey, which is heading to Somalia for the country’s first-ever oil production project. Somali officials have called this a historic milestone. In an interview with TRT Afrika, Somalia’s Petroleum Minister described the drilling as a long-awaited moment for the Somali people.
The upcoming drilling, expected to begin offshore in April, follows earlier exploration work by the Turkish vessel Oruç Reis last year. These activities were launched after energy agreements were signed between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the Somali Petroleum Authority.
According to the Turkish government, the agreement clearly states that Somalia’s natural resources belong to the Somali people. Officials emphasized that the partnership is based on cooperation between “sovereign, friendly, and brotherly nations,” not exploitation.
Both countries say the energy project represents a new chapter in their growing ties. However, Turkish authorities are urging the public not to believe what they describe as false information intended to weaken the partnership.
SOURCE: TRT AFRICA
