Somalia and Kazakhstan Explore Strategic Oil and Gas Partnership in High-Level Astana Talks

Somalia’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, held high-level meetings in Astana with senior 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 state-run energy company KazMunayGas, and Sanzhar Zharkeshov, Deputy Minister of Energy. These discussions follow the recent formalization of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kazakhstan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in economic collaboration.

A key topic of discussion was upstream activities, covering the exploration and assessment of oil and gas resources prior to production. Both parties expressed strong interest in building a long-term partnership beneficial to both countries.

Kazakhstan’s officials shared decades of technical expertise in oil and gas exploration and development, highlighting their readiness to work with emerging markets such as the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Fathudin emphasized Somalia’s extensive onshore and offshore oil and gas potential and underlined the Federal Government’s commitment to transparent resource management, clear legislation, and collaboration with experienced international companies.

Both sides agreed that comprehensive, data-driven exploration would form the foundation of sustainable cooperation. They also discussed using modern technologies, including 3D seismic surveys, subsurface data analysis, and precise resource modeling.

The meetings highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange, training Somali experts, and cooperating on regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable energy development.

The discussions concluded with a mutual commitment to continue dialogue and identify practical steps to implement oil and gas cooperation, strengthening economic and energy ties between Somalia and Kazakhstan.