Mogadishu, SONNA – The Port of Mogadishu was a scene of celebration as the Federal Republic of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, welcomed the ORUC REIS vessel, a state-of-the-art ship from Turkey, set to embark on a historic oil exploration mission in Somali waters. This event signifies a monumental step in Somalia’s journey towards harnessing its natural resources to fuel economic development.
President’s Address
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered an inspiring speech during the welcoming ceremony, expressing profound gratitude to the people and the government of Turkey, with special acknowledgment to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He reminisced about President Erdogan’s compassionate visit to Mogadishu during a severe drought, where he brought humanitarian aid that saved countless Somali lives.
“Somalia is now entering a pivotal phase that requires substantial investments to rebuild our nation,” President Mohamud stated. “Turkey and President Erdogan have forged a significant agreement with the Somali government, facilitating the arrival of this exploration vessel at the Port of Mogadishu.”
He further noted the international interest in Somalia’s investment opportunities, spurred by the arrival of the ORUC REIS. President Mohamud called for national unity and emphasized the importance of utilizing the country’s rich resources, including oil. He also commended the National Interest Government and the Federal Parliament for their role in approving the agreement with Turkey.
Ministerial Remarks
Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Abdirasaaq Omar Mohamed, detailed the stages of the oil exploration plan during his address. He highlighted that these efforts began in 2013 under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s previous administration. The program is now in its final stages before the commencement of oil drilling.
Minister Mohamed explained that the next step involves oil drilling following the results of the 3D seismic survey, which will provide critical information about potential oil fields. He expressed gratitude to all officials and leaders who have contributed to the program’s implementation, including President Mohamud, Minister of Defense Abdulqadir Mohamed Noor, and regional government heads.
Information Minister’s Perspective: Somalia’s Minister of Information, Mr. Daud Aweys Jama, described the commissioning of the ORUC REIS as a historic event and a significant opportunity for Somalia to emerge from prolonged economic challenges. He underscored the transformative impact the oil exploration project will have on the country’s economy and international image.
Minister Jama elaborated on the extensive preparations over the past few days to ensure the project’s successful implementation, stressing the foundational agreement between the Somali and Turkish governments. He emphasized that the ORUC REIS will play a crucial role in oil exploration in the Somali sea, offering a promising solution to the nation’s economic struggles.
The arrival of the ORUC REIS vessel in Mogadishu marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Somalia. This historic event showcases the deepening bilateral relations between Somalia and Turkey and highlights the shared vision of both nations towards sustainable economic growth.
