The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported – today, Friday – that Energy Minister Alp Arslan Bayraktar confirmed his country’s efforts to supply Syria with electricity and strengthen its energy infrastructure. He also pointed out the possibility of cooperation with the new Syrian leadership in oil and natural gas projects.
These statements came after the Syrian opposition overthrew the regime of President Bashar al-Assad this month, ending a 13-year internal war. Türkiye has become one of the most prominent supporters of its southern neighbor, pledging a major role in the reconstruction of Syria.
Energy and infrastructure
Hurriyet reported that Turkey was one of the first countries to reopen its embassy in Damascus, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin met with the Commander-in-Chief of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Minister Bayraktar announced that a Turkish delegation, perhaps headed by himself, plans to visit Syria tomorrow to discuss issues related to electricity transmission and infrastructure development.
Hurriyet newspaper quoted Bayraktar as saying, “We must provide electricity very quickly to the Syrian regions that suffer from an acute shortage. In the initial stage, this will be done through imports. In the medium term, we aim to increase the energy production capabilities there.”
He added, “The need for infrastructure in Syria is very great, and we will work with the leaders there on a comprehensive plan. There is also the possibility of sending electricity to Lebanon through Syria.”
Reconstruction of Syria
Bayraktar explained that Ankara intends to exploit oil and natural gas resources in Syria to support reconstruction efforts, pointing to the significant decline in Syrian oil and gas production during the years of war.
He stressed the importance of discussing the establishment of an oil pipeline linking Syria to Turkey, and merging it with the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline.
The Turkish minister said, “There are great possibilities for cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas with the new Syrian leadership, and we hope to achieve tangible progress in the near future.”
Energy support in Somalia
On the other hand, Bayraktar indicated Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate with other countries to support the energy sector in Somalia, as a Turkish drill ship is exploring for oil and gas there. He added, “There are offers of cooperation, and we seek to achieve the best results to support the stability of the energy sector.”
These Turkish moves come within its strategy to enhance its regional influence through energy and infrastructure projects, which reflects its commitment to supporting the stability and reconstruction of neighboring countries.
