KazMunayGas eyes exploration projects in Somalia

ASTANA. Feb 24 (Interfax) - KazMunayGas (KMG) is considering exploration projects in Somalia, Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company said in a press release.

KMG CEO Askhat Khasenov held a meeting with Somalia's Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed to discuss prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, KMG said.

Khasenov briefed the ambassador on the company's strategic priorities, which include replenishing its resource base, improving production efficiency, diversifying export routes, modernizing refining capacities and implementing sustainable development principles and energy-efficient solutions.

Special attention was given to the potential for cooperation in geological exploration.

"The company is conducting a number of exploration projects in the country, carrying out large-scale seismic surveys, drilling deep exploration wells, and applying digital technologies for geological data interpretation and 3D subsurface modeling," Khasenov said.

KazMunayGas is open to joint implementation of exploration projects with international partners, he said.

The Somali ambassador presented the potential of his country's oil and gas sector in terms of hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Following the meeting, both sides expressed readiness to intensify contacts in key areas of cooperation.

KazMunayGas is Kazakhstan's national operator for hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining and transportation, representing the state's interests in the oil and gas industry.