SOCAR signs gas supply deal with Syria, signaling renewed bilateral ties and supporting Syria's energy independence under its new leadership.
Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company, SOCAR, has officially entered into a natural gas supply agreement with the Syrian government, marking a pivotal development in Syria’s quest for energy security and regional cooperation, according to media reports. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy and Chairman of SOCAR’s Supervisory Board, and Syria’s Minister of Energy, Mohammed al-Bashir.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Minister Bashir highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating, “Today, I had the honor of accompanying President Ahmad Al-Sharaa during an official visit to Azerbaijan. During our meetings, we explored avenues to deepen cooperation in the natural gas sector to support Syria’s future energy needs.” Bashir emphasized that the deal represents a significant stride towards achieving energy independence and developing long-term partnerships that will benefit the Syrian people and the country's broader national interests.
The agreement appears to be aligned with recent geopolitical developments. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently mentioned that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had expressed Azerbaijan’s willingness to support Syria with natural gas supplies. This affirmation from Baku is now being formalized through the SOCAR agreement.
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Azerbaijan marks his first official diplomatic mission to the country since assuming office earlier this year. The Azerbaijani Presidential Office confirmed that comprehensive high-level discussions took place between President Aliyev and President Al-Sharaa, with ministers and senior officials from both countries participating in the deliberations.
President Aliyev addressed the historical context of the two nations’ relationship, noting that past administrations in Syria had adopted hostile policies toward Azerbaijan, which had led to a cooling of diplomatic and economic ties. However, Aliyev expressed optimism about the current Syrian leadership, indicating that the formation of a new administration in Damascus has opened the door for a more constructive and forward-looking bilateral relationship.
“The previous Syrian government’s unfriendly stance strained relations with many countries, including ours,” Aliyev remarked. “But with this new leadership, we see an opportunity to build mutually beneficial cooperation.”
In response, President Al-Sharaa conveyed his appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to renewing and strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. He acknowledged that the previous regime had inflicted damage on Syria’s international ties but said his administration is determined to pursue a new era of diplomacy and collaboration.
The SOCAR gas deal is viewed as a strategic move that could pave the way for broader cooperation in the energy sector and beyond, providing Syria with much-needed resources while offering Azerbaijan an opportunity to expand its influence and partnerships in the region.
