Turkey to supply Azerbaijani gas to Syria, aiming to boost electricity access and stability, with financial support from Qatar.
Turkey is set to commence the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria in a move aimed at bolstering electricity production and improving living conditions in the war-affected nation. This development was confirmed by Turkey's Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, in an interview with the state-owned Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.
According to Bayraktar, the delivery of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria will begin on August 2 and will be routed through the Kilis pipeline in southeastern Turkey. This initiative marks a notable shift in Turkey’s stance towards Syria, reflecting a broader regional realignment. Once a vocal supporter of opposition groups trying to topple Syria’s former President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey is now engaging constructively with the new Syrian government, seeking to contribute to the nation’s post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction.
The initial phase of this energy cooperation will involve the supply of approximately 6 million cubic meters of natural gas. This volume is projected to generate around 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which could significantly enhance Syria’s current energy output. Presently, many parts of Syria suffer from severe power shortages, with residents receiving electricity for only three to four hours per day. The natural gas project is expected to increase this availability to around ten hours daily, thereby considerably improving daily life and economic productivity for the Syrian people.
Qatar, another regional player, is playing a key financial role in the initiative, with Bayraktar acknowledging its contribution to the project's funding. The tripartite collaboration underscores the growing trend of regional cooperation on infrastructure and development, particularly in areas that have suffered due to prolonged conflict.
To mark the commencement of this important project, a formal ceremony is scheduled to take place in Kilis on August 2. The event will be attended by high-ranking officials and ministers from Turkey, Syria, and Qatar, symbolizing the diplomatic and strategic importance of the energy partnership.
This energy supply agreement is not just an economic venture but also a strategic and humanitarian one. By facilitating a more stable electricity supply, the project aims to revitalize basic services and infrastructure in Syria, helping communities recover and rebuild. It also represents a broader shift in Turkey’s regional diplomacy and its growing role in fostering reconciliation and redevelopment in neighboring conflict zones.
Bayraktar emphasized that this initiative is designed to directly enhance the lives of ordinary Syrians. “With the natural gas that will be supplied, the goal is to increase the current three to four hours of daily electricity availability to 10 hours, making a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said.
