ALSO IN THE NEWS

Turkey's research vessel to begin exploration in Somalia

0
Thursday September 26, 2024 - 03:24:24 in Latest News by Super Admin
  • Visits: 1484
  • (Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
  • 0 0
  • Share via Social Media

    Turkey's research vessel to begin exploration in Somalia

    According to information published by Wan Haber on September 11, 2024, Turkey's seismic research vessel, Oruç Reis, is set to depart for Somalia at the end of this month. The Turkish seismic research vessel Oruç Reis has been at

    Share on Twitter Share on facebook Share on Digg Share on Stumbleupon Share on Delicious Share on Google Plus

The research vessel RV MTA Oruç Reis. (Picture source: Turkish government)
According to information published by Wan Haber on September 11, 2024, Turkey's seismic research vessel, Oruç Reis, is set to depart for Somalia at the end of this month. The Turkish seismic research vessel Oruç Reis has been at the center of significant tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean due to its exploratory missions for hydrocarbons in disputed waters. Operated by Turkey's General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, the vessel plays a key role in Turkey's ambitions to tap into offshore natural gas and oil reserves. These operations have heightened geopolitical disputes with neighboring Greece and Cyprus, as the regions where Oruç Reis conducts its surveys are also claimed by these nations under international maritime law.
The most contentious areas include waters near the Greek island of Kastellorizo, where both Greece and Turkey assert rights based on their respective interpretations of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Turkey's ongoing activities, particularly when Oruç Reis has been accompanied by naval escorts, have led to multiple confrontations between the Turkish and Greek navies, with Greece viewing these missions as violations of its sovereignty. In response, Greece and Cyprus have sought backing from the European Union, which has threatened sanctions against Turkey if it continues its exploratory activities without diplomatic resolution.


Despite periodic withdrawals of the vessel as a gesture to facilitate negotiations, Oruç Reis has frequently resumed operations, especially following stalled talks between the parties. This back-and-forth pattern has continued, with both sides often conducting military drills during periods of heightened tension. The deployment of the vessel reflects Turkey's broader "Blue Homeland" policy, which aims to expand its maritime influence and secure energy independence​.

These disputes remain a focal point in regional diplomacy, as the potential hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean are seen as highly lucrative, making the stakes in these territorial disagreements even higher.


Leave a comment

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip


Copyright © 2009 - 2024 Sunatimes News Agency All Rights Reserved.
Home | About Us | Diinta | Reports | Latest News | Featured Items | Articles | Suna Radio | Suna TV | Contact Us