Turkey Strengthens Somali Ties with Naval Deployment for Oil Exploration

Turkey plans to send navy support to Somali waters as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal. President Erdogan has requested Turkish parliament's authorization for military deployment, following an agreement to explore oil and gas off Somalia's coast. Turkey has also provided extensive development and military support to Somalia.

Turkey is set to send naval support to Somali waters following a bilateral agreement for an exploration vessel to search for oil and gas offshore. President Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament, seeking authorization for deploying Turkish military, including in Somalia’s territorial waters, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

This announcement comes a day after Turkey's energy ministry revealed plans to send the exploration vessel later this year as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation agreement. Earlier in the year, Turkey and Somalia inked a defense and economic cooperation deal during the Somali defense minister's visit to Ankara.

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a key ally of the Somali government, building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and offering scholarships for Somali students. In 2017, Turkey inaugurated its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and has been providing training to Somali military and police forces.