Turkey Keen on Offshore Energy Projects in Libya: Minister Bayraktar

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced Turkey's interest in Libya's offer for offshore energy exploration. This follows existing accords and military support to Libya. Turkey also plans to explore gas fields off Egypt and Somalia as part of hydrocarbon cooperation deals.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed that Turkey is considering Libya's proposal for offshore energy exploration in Libyan waters. 'Libya has offered to us to work with our seismic vessels offshore. Frankly, we are warm to this. So we can be in the Libyan offshore to carry out seismic work,' he told the state-owned Anadolu news agency.

In 2020, Turkey deployed military forces to Libya to support the Tripoli-based government against eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's troops, leading to a maritime demarcation accord. This agreement, along with a 2022 preliminary energy exploration accord, has faced opposition from Egypt and Greece. Turkey continues to seek the 'right project and partner' for further ventures in Libya.

Bayraktar also mentioned Turkey's interest in gas fields off Egypt, where relations are mending after a decade-long rift. Plans involve Turkish floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) ships. Additionally, Turkey aims to send its Oruc Reis exploration vessel to Somalia by October for seismic work under a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between the nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)