Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, H.E. Mohamed Aoun announced that Turkish companies are the preferred partners for seismic research in Libya, citing Turkey’s geographical proximity and expertise in the field as the primary reasons for the preference. As such, priority will be given to Turkish firms as Libya prepares to invite international partners to carry out oil and gas exploration research in the North African country. According to official data, 29 new oil fields and 12 natural gas fields have been discovered in Libya in recent years, however exploration efforts lack development due to the country’s vast territorial waters.