Turkey is preparing to deploy its navy to Somali waters following the signing of a new defense deal between the two countries.
President Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament on Friday, seeking authorization for the deployment of Turkish military forces to Somalia, including its territorial waters, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
This move comes shortly after the Turkish energy ministry announced plans to send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas.
This exploration is part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between Somalia and Turkey, aimed at tapping into potential energy resources in the region.
The deployment of Turkish naval forces is expected to support these exploration activities and ensure the security of Turkish interests in Somali waters.