Turkey is making bold moves to assist Syria as it eyes the prospects of oil and gas exploration within the war-torn nation, signaling its intent to invest in the energy sector of its neighbor. This update emerges from statements made by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who shared the country's willingness to support the new Syrian government to ramp up hydrocarbon production.
With Turkey's help, there is potential for the establishment of new oil and gas pipelines linked to export terminals along Turkey's coasts. Bayraktar emphasized, "We are committed to helping meet Syria's energy needs and enhancing its production capacities," highlighting Turkey's strategic interest amid existing geopolitical tensions.
Syria's current oil production is alarmingly low, estimated at only 30,000 barrels per day, which contrasts sharply with the figures from two decades prior, when output reached near 600,000 barrels daily. This sharp decline can be attributed to over ten years of civil strife and the persistent presence of foreign military forces. Despite this, Bayraktar remains optimistic about reviving Syria's hydrocarbon output to make it more self-sufficient.
According to sources like Bloomberg, the regions with oil and gas resources have been heavily influenced by U.S. military bases supporting Kurdish factions within Syria. Much of the oil extracted from these regions has been illicitly funneled across the border to Iraq, leading to questions about the sustainability of such actions.
Turkey's plans indicate the possibility of direct confrontations with American interests, as the U.S. military has established footholds aimed at curbing the influence of the Assad regime and its allies. The new Turkish initiative may not only complicate these dynamics but could also reshape the energy sector within both countries, creating new economic dependencies.
While Turkey has extended this hand of collaboration, there remains skepticism over how this engagement can materialize without infringing on the territory where U.S. forces operate. Will Turkey and the U.S. find common ground? Or will this lead to increased tension?
The backdrop of war has not only devastated Syria’s infrastructure but has left it ripe for foreign investment, and Turkey seems poised to seize this moment. The ramifications of re-establishing energy business ties could resonate broadly, impacting regional alliances and energy markets.
Looking at the bigger picture, the historical ties between Turkey and Syria add layers of complexity to this partnership. They are interwoven with financial and energy dependence, and by leveraging its geographic and resource control, Turkey could forge its influence not just within Syria but also across broader Middle Eastern energy corridors.
