Qatar will supply natural gas to Syria to boost its energy sector, with US support. The initiative is part of broader efforts to revitalize the country’s economy and energy production amidst ongoing conflicts and sanctions, while also exploring partnerships with Turkey and the SDF.
On March 13, a Qatari official announced plans to supply Syria with natural gas to enhance its energy sector. Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud al-Sharif, the Qatari Charge d’Affaires in Syria, stated that this initiative involves providing gas via Jordan, aimed at generating electricity, starting at 400 megawatts and gradually increasing. This effort is endorsed by the United States, as cited by a US official indicating its approval.
Syria currently grapples with an intense economic crisis stemming from over a decade of conflict, sanctions, and occupation. In light of these challenges, Syrian authorities have expressed a willingness to rejuvenate the energy sector. Ahmad Suleiman, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Oil Ministry, mentioned that the ministry has received bids for a recent crude oil tender, selecting suppliers based on required specifications.
Additionally, recent developments include the European Union suspending certain sanctions against Syria that were imposed during former President Bashar al-Assad’s administration. Notably, the United Kingdom also lifted sanctions affecting Syria’s central bank. These changes occurred amidst escalating violence against civilians from the Alawite minority along the Syrian coast by government forces.
Furthermore, the Syrian government recently established a deal with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) aimed at overseeing the management of Syria’s oilfields. It remains uncertain how this agreement will influence the future of these oilfields. Ahmad Suleiman noted that the handover of oil and gas wells requires preparation and will take time.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed interest in contributing to Syria’s energy infrastructure. He proposed projects for oil and natural gas, suggesting potential collaboration on a pipeline connecting Syria to Turkey. The Turkiye-Qatar natural gas pipeline project, initially proposed in 2009, sought to transport Qatari gas to Turkey and Europe but was rejected by the previous Syrian government. The conflict in Syria intensified two years thereafter, led by US and Turkish-backed forces.
In summary, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria marks a significant international effort to revitalize the country’s energy sector, a move supported by the United States. Amid ongoing economic hardships and violence, the Syrian government is taking steps to seek new partnerships and establish agreements with various stakeholders, including the SDF and Turkey, to enhance its energy infrastructure.
Original Source: thecradle.co
