Somalia and Azerbaijan have taken a significant step toward strengthening their energy relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector. The agreement was announced by Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, via his X account, highlighting the importance of this new partnership for both nations.
In his post, Shahbazov noted that discussions with Dahir Shire Mohamed, Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, revolved around exploring opportunities for energy cooperation. The two ministers agreed to leverage Azerbaijan’s extensive experience in oil and gas projects to enhance the development of Somalia’s energy infrastructure.
The MoU sets the groundwork for increased collaboration, with Azerbaijan offering its technical expertise and resources in oil and gas development, which will be crucial for Somalia as it seeks to harness its energy potential. The agreement signifies a strong commitment to mutual growth in the sector, particularly in oil exploration, development, and production.
Minister Shahbazov expressed optimism, emphasizing that the partnership will pave the way for broader cooperation between the two nations in the energy field. This deal aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader goal of expanding its influence in the global energy market and supporting Somalia’s efforts to develop its nascent oil and gas industry.