President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Visits Turkish Oil Exploration Vessel “Oruc Reis”

By A Yusuf 

Mogadishu, Somalia, June 12, 2025-President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paid an official visit to the Turkish vessel Oruc Reis, which has been conducting offshore oil exploration along Somalia’s coast. The visit follows the formal conclusion of the seismic oil survey operations carried out in Somali waters.

During the visit, the President praised the vessel’s crew and the Turkish team for their strategic efforts in completing the survey, stating that the results have the potential to significantly transform Somalia’s economic and political landscape. He emphasized that the survey strengthens the cooperation and partnership between Somalia and Turkey.

“This is a major achievement that reinforces our goal for Somalia to fully benefit from its natural resources, transforming them into economic opportunities and social development,” said President Hassan Sheikh.

The President also reiterated the Somali government’s commitment to harnessing the country’s abundant natural resources as a means of boosting economic growth and addressing internal challenges. 

He also commended Turkey’s consistent support and described it as a strategic partner standing alongside Somalia in both challenging times and moments of progress.

Economic analysts believe that if Somalia can effectively tap into its oil potential, it could become one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, leading to substantial progress.

The political and economic ties between Somalia and Turkey are known to be deeply rooted, with Turkey playing a significant role in supporting Somalia’s federal government and contributing to the country’s stability, infrastructure and development projects.