**Turkey Ready to Explore Oil and Gas Resources in Syria**
Turkey has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Syrian government in the search for oil and gas within Syrian territory. This declaration was made by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar during a joint press conference held in Damascus with his Syrian counterpart, Energy Minister Mohamed al-Bashir, on Wednesday.
Bayraktar indicated that the Turkish state oil company, Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO), along with private enterprises, is prepared to conduct seismic surveys and exploration drilling both offshore and onshore in Syria. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy exploration and development in the region.
During the press conference, Bayraktar emphasized Turkey's capabilities, noting that the country operates a deep-sea drilling fleet and is currently engaged in drilling an exploration well off the coast of Somalia. Additionally, he mentioned that TPAO has recently secured a license to explore for oil in offshore fields in Libya, showcasing Turkey's expanding interests in energy resources across the Mediterranean region.
In a significant development related to energy infrastructure, Bayraktar announced plans for Turkey and Syria to enhance their electricity transmission capacity. The two countries are set to commission new infrastructure that will increase electricity transmission capacity to over 800 megawatts. This project aims to strengthen energy ties and improve the energy supply situation in both nations.
Furthermore, the Turkish state-owned mining company, MTA IC, and Syria’s General Directorate for Mineral Sources have signed a memorandum of understanding focused on phosphate resources. This agreement is seen as a precursor to a potential joint venture, according to Turkey's energy ministry. The initial objective of this collaboration is to work on phosphate rock production, which will include establishing long-term trading mechanisms and integrated industrial investments for the production of phosphoric acid, fertilizers, and other phosphate-based products.
Bayraktar described the phosphate agreement as a significant first step toward a comprehensive project that includes the development of phosphate fields, the construction of industrial facilities, and the establishment of a railway system to link production sites to a seaport for the efficient transport of phosphate output. The Turkish minister expressed optimism about finalizing a commercial agreement in the coming days, which would further solidify the partnership between Turkey and Syria in the mining sector.
This initiative marks a notable shift in Turkey-Syria relations, as both countries look to capitalize on their natural resources amid ongoing regional challenges. The collaboration in energy exploration and infrastructure development reflects a growing willingness to engage in joint ventures that could benefit both nations economically.
As Turkey moves forward with its plans, the implications for regional energy dynamics and the potential for increased cooperation between Turkey and Syria will be closely monitored by international observers and stakeholders in the energy sector.