Syria and Turkey have reached a pivotal agreement to supply natural gas to the beleaguered Syrian nation. This prominent deal promises to energize Syria’s struggling infrastructure and bring much-needed relief to its citizens after years of conflict-induced hardship.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir announced the agreement, stating that Turkey will supply six million cubic meters of natural gas daily via the Kilis-Aleppo pipeline. “This agreement will significantly enhance the provision of electricity and improve the energy situation in Syria,” Bashir conveyed in a statement released through the state news agency, SANA.
The pipeline, originating near Turkey’s border with Syria, is set to play a critical role in reviving Aleppo’s natural gas power plant, providing a lifeline to a city ravaged by years of war.
The backdrop to this agreement is Syria’s ongoing struggle to rebuild its infrastructure and economy after almost 14 years of a devastating civil war. The conflict has severely damaged the nation’s power grid, resulting in crippling electricity shortages with outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.
“This is not just an energy deal; it’s a beacon of hope for millions of Syrians,” commented Dr. Lina Al-Rahim, an energy policy expert at the Arab Energy Forum. “Reaching such an agreement marks a significant step towards rebuilding and stabilizing Syria, and symbolizes a rare moment of cooperation in a region often fraught with tension.”
The announcement comes on the heels of similar strategic moves, with Qatar previously funding gas supplies to Syria from Jordan, aimed at addressing electricity shortages and improving infrastructure. This initiative has already started generating electricity, with plans for a gradual increase in output.
Notably, both Turkey and Qatar were among the first nations to reestablish diplomatic ties with Syria’s transitional government, signaling their vested interest in the country’s recovery and stability. They have also been vocal in advocating for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria, further demonstrating their commitment to fostering regional cooperation.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar affirmed the importance of the deal: “We aim to start gas supplies to Syria within the next three months. This initiative underscores our dedication to regional stability and partnership.”
The lifting of sanctions by Western powers, including the United States, Britain, and the European Union, marks a turning point, potentially paving the way for further economic revitalization in Syria. These moves have been welcomed by Damascus, which views them as critical to improving the living conditions of its citizens.
