Somali PM hails Türkiye's deep-sea drilling mission as 'historic' turning point

2026-02-16 - 19:35

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre delivered an emotional tribute Monday to Türkiye's forthcoming deep-sea drilling mission off Somalia's coast, describing the deployment of drillship Cagri Bey as a watershed moment in the nation's development trajectory. "Today, with Cagri Bey, we may be witnessing the beginning of something greater — the opening chapter of real economic transformation," Barre wrote on social media, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the venture. Decades of Promise Nearing Fulfillment Barre articulated the profound significance for Somalis who have long heard of their country's resource wealth without experiencing its benefits. "Generations of our people have grown up hearing that Somalia is rich in resources; yet for decades they have waited to see that promise fulfilled. That wait is ending. Better days are on the horizon," he declared. The prime minister framed the drilling mission as the moment when natural wealth begins translating into national strength. Symbol of Trust and Strategic Partnership The Somali leader specifically praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for selecting Somalia as the inaugural destination for Ankara's overseas drilling initiative. "This decision is more than strategic — it is a symbol of trust crossing distances and a testament to the evolving partnership between Türkiye and Somalia, rooted in brotherhood and a shared belief in a better tomorrow," Barre stated. Cagri Bey departed Sunday from Mersin's Taşucu port, expected to reach Mogadishu in approximately 45 days, with drilling at the Curad-1 well scheduled for April. The mission follows 2024 hydrocarbon exploration agreements and seismic surveys conducted by Oruç Reis across three offshore blocks.