Friday 20 Feb 2026 {HMC} Türkiye has once again stressed its commitment to mutual cooperation with Somalia, dismissing speculations that Ankara’s energy deals with Mogadishu are aimed at reaping one-sided benefits.
“Claims circulating on certain social media accounts that attempt to portray Türkiye as a country seeking unilateral gains in the energy sector in Somalia—particularly concerning oil exploration—constitute clear disinformation and represent a deliberate distortion aimed at undermining the mutually beneficial cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia,” the Directorate of Communications in the Turkish Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
This comes as Turkish deep-sea drilling ship Çağri Bey travels to Somalia for the Horn of Africa country’s first-ever oil production, which the two countries have described as a milestone in their relations.
Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum Dahir Shire had said, in an interview with TRT Afrika, that the oil drilling was a ‘‘long-awaited and historic moment for the Somali people.’’
‘Brotherly nations’
The oil drilling, expected to start off Somalia’s coast in April, followed an exploration by a Turkish vessel, Oruç Reis, last year after the two countries signed deals in the oil and gas sector as part of their growing ties across various sectors.
“The agreement established between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the Somali Petroleum Authority clearly states that natural resources are the rightful property of the people of Somalia,” the statement added.
“Türkiye and Somalia maintain their relations through a foundation of mutual cooperation, reflecting the bond between two sovereign, friendly, and brotherly nations,” Ankara said.
“As this solidarity continues to strengthen across various fields, it is crucial to avoid giving credence to disinformation campaigns and black propaganda designed to undermine this partnership,” it added.
