Somalia, Azerbaijan Sign MoU to Boost Energy Cooperation

BAKU - Azerbaijan and Somalia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector, marking a significant step in strengthening energy ties between the two nations, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov announced Thursday.

The agreement was formalized following discussions between Shahbazov and Somalia’s Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, with the signing ceremony detailed in a statement posted on Shahbazov’s official X account.

"We assessed the opportunities to establish an energy partnership with Dahir Shire Mohamed, the minister of oil and mineral resources of the Federal Republic of Somalia," Shahbazov said. "We signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the oil and gas sector between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources of the Federal Republic of Somalia."

The minister hailed the MoU as a milestone, stating, "This agreement marks a significant step in advancing cooperation by leveraging Azerbaijan’s extensive experience in oil and gas projects."

The deal aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, capitalizing on Azerbaijan’s well-established expertise in the energy industry. While specific details of the partnership remain undisclosed, the agreement signals a mutual intent to explore opportunities in the oil and gas domain.

Azerbaijan, a key player in the Caspian region’s energy market, has long been recognized for its oil and gas production, while Somalia, with its emerging energy sector, seeks to benefit from such international partnerships to develop its resources.

The signing underscores a growing trend of energy diplomacy as nations seek to diversify and strengthen their economic ties.

GAROWE ONLINE