Kazakhstan and Türkiye are strengthening their energy partnership with a focus on offshore exploration in the Caspian Sea. In Ankara, Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas (KMG) Askhat Khasenov held talks with Cem Erdem, CEO of Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).
The meeting centered on expanding bilateral cooperation in geological exploration, hydrocarbon production, and investment attraction, marking a new phase in the strategic dialogue between the two national oil companies, DKNews.kz reports.
From data exchange to concrete projects
The sides reviewed progress made since signing a confidentiality agreement in June 2025, which laid the groundwork for active information exchange and joint assessment of exploration opportunities in both Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
Since then, TPAO specialists have participated in detailed technical sessions and gained access to geological data on several promising exploration blocks in Kazakhstan. This allowed the Turkish company to conduct an in-depth analysis and identify projects with the greatest investment potential.
Focus on the “Bolshoy Zhambyl” offshore project
As a result of this assessment, TPAO has expressed particular interest in the Bolshoy Zhambyl offshore project, located in the northern Caspian Sea. The company is currently carrying out its own comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of the block.
Askhat Khasenov confirmed that KazMunayGas is fully prepared to move to the practical implementation stage of the project, emphasizing KMG’s openness to long-term cooperation and joint development.
Mutual interest in strengthening partnership
At the conclusion of the talks, both parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation across key areas, including exploration, production, and investment. The partnership is expected to support Kazakhstan’s strategy of attracting international expertise and advancing offshore energy projects.
About TPAO
Founded in 1954, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) is Türkiye’s integrated state-owned oil company engaged in exploration, production, refining, and marketing. In recent years, TPAO has been implementing large-scale programs to increase hydrocarbon production, particularly in the Black Sea and eastern regions of the country.
In addition to domestic projects, TPAO participates in oil and gas exploration and production activities in Azerbaijan, Algeria, and on the continental shelf of Northern Cyprus. The company also operates its own fleet of seismic and drilling vessels, enabling it to independently conduct offshore exploration campaigns.
Why it matters
TPAO’s interest in Kazakhstan’s Caspian offshore assets opens new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and joint development. The Bolshoy Zhambyl project could become a flagship example of the next stage of Kazakh–Turkish energy cooperation, moving from negotiations to tangible results.
