Turkey’s Initiative to Enhance Oil and Gas Production in Syria

Turkey is set on increasing oil and natural gas production in Syria as part of its reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country, helping to address energy needs and facilitating the return of refugees. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s role in providing support for Syria’s rebuilding and political stabilization.

Turkey has expressed its intent to augment oil and natural gas production in Syria, aligning with its broader strategy to deepen its involvement in the reconstruction efforts of the war-affected nation. Speaking on Wednesday, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Turkish authorities are also exploring solutions to address Syria’s electricity requirements, which have been severely hindered by over a decade of conflict that devastated the nation’s infrastructure.

Bayraktar outlined that, “We are also studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for reconstruction of Syria. We plan to tell our counterparts how we can make contributions in that sense.” This statement underscores Turkey’s ambition to facilitate the revival of Syria’s energy sector and support its rebuilding process following the civil unrest that began in 2011. Historically, Syria’s output of hydrocarbons was minimal even before the conflict curtailed most production, yet as political dynamics evolve, the reactivation of its industrial capacities presents a complex challenge.

The recent takeover of power by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), categorized as a terrorist organization by numerous nations, adds further complexity to Turkey’s plans. With backing from the Group of Seven (G7) leaders indicating support for a new Syrian government, Turkey has hinted at the possibility of delisting HTS from its terrorist organization list. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s strategy appears to focus on fostering amicable relationships with groups leading Syria’s interim government, potentially facilitating the involvement of Turkish enterprises in the country’s reconstruction and aiding the repatriation of the approximately three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey.

In the long-term perspective, Bayraktar noted that collaborative efforts could lead to the establishment of new oil and gas pipelines connecting Syria with Turkey’s export hubs. Presently, Syria’s oil production is estimated to be around 30,000 barrels per day, significantly reduced to about five percent of the levels noted two decades ago, as per Turkish assessments.

The civil war in Syria, which erupted in 2011, has left the country in a state of devastation, with the destruction of critical infrastructure and significant declines in oil and gas production. As various factions vied for control, Turkey aimed to position itself as a central player in the rebuilding of Syria, particularly in the energy sector. Turkey’s overtures towards helping revitalize Syrian oil and gas production reflect its geopolitical strategic interests, where stable relations with a reformed Syrian government can potentially assist in managing the influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey and foster economic ties between the two nations.

In summary, Turkey’s initiative to boost oil and natural gas production in Syria signifies its commitment to supporting the nation’s reconstruction following years of conflict. This endeavor not only aims at addressing energy shortages in Syria but also seeks to facilitate economic recovery and political stabilization. The potential establishment of energy pipelines and the involvement of Turkish companies in reconstruction efforts highlight Turkey’s strategic aims in the region.

Original Source: www.worldoil.com