The Turkish drilling vessel Kagri Bey arrived off the coast of Mogadishu, marking the start of Turkey’s first offshore exploration project outside its borders.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that the project represents a new phase in Turkey’s energy sector, noting that drilling will reach a depth of 7,500 meters.

A Somali official described the move as historic, considering it a promising opportunity to exploit natural resources.

Drilling operations are expected to continue for about 10 months.