Mogadishu, SONNA – Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, Mr. Daahir Shire Mohamed, has signed a cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Mr. Parviz Shahbazov. The agreement focuses on collaboration in the oil and gas sector, aiming to leverage Azerbaijan’s expertise to boost Somalia’s energy resources and infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a meeting between the two ministers, marking a milestone in bilateral relations and energy cooperation. In a statement released by the Somali Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals, Minister Daahir Shire Mohamed expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I am pleased to have signed a memorandum of understanding with H.E. Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, to strengthen cooperation in the oil and gas sector.”
The agreement emphasizes Somalia’s efforts to develop its untapped oil and gas reserves, which have the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and energy independence. Azerbaijan, a country with extensive experience in oil and gas exploration and production, is expected to provide technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and support to Somalia as it works to establish a robust energy sector.
Minister Daahir Shire Mohamed highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that it represents a strategic move to attract international investment and build capacity within Somalia’s energy industry. He emphasized that the collaboration with Azerbaijan will play a key role in unlocking the potential of Somalia’s natural resources and creating opportunities for economic development.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, also expressed his commitment to supporting Somalia’s energy ambitions. He praised the agreement as a foundation for long-term cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of oil and gas exploration, production, and infrastructure development.
The signing of the MoU comes at a time when Somalia is actively seeking to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on traditional sectors. The development of the oil and gas industry is seen as a critical component of the country’s broader economic strategy, with the potential to create jobs, generate revenue, and attract foreign investment.
This agreement marks a new chapter in Somalia-Azerbaijan relations and highlights the growing international interest in Somalia’s energy sector. As Somalia continues to rebuild and develop its infrastructure, partnerships like this one are expected to play a vital role in driving progress and prosperity for the nation.
