Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia's Minister of Petroleum Abdirizak Mohamed and State Minister for Defence Omar Ali welcomed a high-ranking Turkish delegation at Adan Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu on Thursday.

Under tight security, the delegation, comprised of both defense and petroleum experts, has arrived to partake in the official reception of Türkiye's advanced seismic survey vessel, Oruç Reis.

The Oruç Reis, which has been a symbol of Turkey's expanding maritime capabilities, is on its way to Somali territorial waters to undertake a critical energy research mission. This operation aims to explore potential oil and gas reserves off Somalia's coast, marking a significant step toward energy independence for the East African nation.

The visit underscores the strengthening partnership between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in the energy sector. Turkey's engagement in Somalia's energy exploration aligns with Ankara's broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical influence through energy diplomacy, while for Somalia, it represents an opportunity to harness its untapped natural resources for economic development.

Both nations have expressed optimism about the prospects of this cooperation. Turkish officials have emphasized the mutual benefits of sharing technology and expertise, while Somali leaders view the exploration as a potential economic game-changer, hoping it will lead to job creation, infrastructure development, and increased foreign investment.

The arrival of the Oruç Reis and the accompanying Turkish delegation has sparked interest and anticipation among local communities and international observers alike, regarding the potential discoveries and the long-term implications for regional stability and prosperity.

This development is seen as part of a broader trend of Turkey's increasing involvement in Africa, where Ankara has been expanding its diplomatic, economic, and military footprints through various strategic partnerships. The joint energy exploration endeavor with Somalia is just one facet of this multifaceted engagement.