New energy deal will deliver Turkish gas to Syria

Turkey has agreed to supply war-torn Syria with gas in June under a new energy deal, according to Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters on May 22nd.

The agreement marks a deepening of Ankara’s involvement in Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction, TRT Global reported on May 22nd. Speaking at a joint press conference with Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al Bashir, his Turkish counterpart Alparslan Bayraktar said the gas deliveries would support the generation of 1,300 megawatts of electricity in Syria, addressing persistent energy shortages.

Turkey will also provide an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity for Syria to meet immediate demand. Al Bashir confirmed that both countries had agreed to reactivate a long-dormant pipeline linking their gas networks, with flows scheduled to start in June.

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“This will significantly boost electricity generation, which will positively impact the Syrian people’s electricity needs,” al Bashir said.

In addition, the two sides also talked about producing a 400-kilovolt power line between the two countries by the end of the year. Once operational, the line will allow Syria to import up to 500 megawatts of electricity from Turkey.

Bayraktar said the deal would open the door to Turkish private sector investment in Syria’s energy and mining sectors. Turkish firms will be invited to look into ventures for mining, phosphate extraction, power generation, and electricity distribution.

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“There is very intensive work underway regarding the discovery of new natural resources, whether gas or oil, on land or at sea,” Bayraktar added, suggesting possible future cooperation on exploration projects.

This is the latest in a string of promising developments that point to more stability in the recovering country. Two weeks ago, Donald Trump announced that Washington would lift the long-standing US sanctions on Syria, ending years of restrictions which would strengthen the Syrian government, Al Jazeera reported on May 13th.

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He stated that the country deserves “a chance at greatness.” His remarks indicate a possible shift toward reintegrating Syria into the international political and economic community.

In response, EU nations also approved the idea of removing all economic sanctions on Syria, according to The New Arab and agencies on May 20th.

Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters, TRT Global, Al Jazeera, The New Arab and Agencies