Astana (Kaab TV) – The Ambassador of Somalia to Kazakhstan, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, held high-level meetings in Astana with officials from Kazakhstan’s energy sector, focusing on potential cooperation in oil and gas exploration and development.
The meetings included Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Board of the national energy company KazMunayGas, and Sanzhar Zharkeshov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan.
These discussions follow the recently established diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kazakhstan, marking a new chapter in economic cooperation.
The discussion focused on collaboration in upstream activities, which cover exploring and evaluating oil reserves before production. Both sides showed strong interest in a long-term partnership benefiting both countries.
Kazakh officials shared their decades of experience in oil and gas exploration and said they are ready to work with emerging markets like the Horn of Africa.
Ambassador Fathudin highlighted Somalia’s large onshore and offshore oil and gas potential. He stressed the government’s commitment to transparent resource management, clear legal frameworks, and partnerships with experienced international companies.
Both parties agreed that thorough, data-based study is key to lasting collaboration and discussed using modern tools like 3D seismic surveys, subsurface analysis, and detailed reservoir modeling.
The importance of knowledge exchange, training Somali experts, and cooperating on regulatory systems was also stressed to ensure sustainable energy growth.
The meetings concluded with a mutual understanding to strengthen ongoing discussions and pursue practical steps toward implementing oil and gas cooperation, enhancing the economic and energy relationship between Somalia and Kazakhstan.