Turkey has signaled readiness to assist Syria in oil and gas exploration, with state energy company TPAO and private operators prepared to conduct seismic surveys and drilling in both onshore and offshore Syrian territory.
The announcement was made by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who outlined plans for joint exploration initiatives with Syrian authorities. TPAO and Turkey’s state-owned mining company MTA IC would lead the efforts, leveraging expertise and equipment from Turkey’s active deep-sea drilling fleet.
In parallel, Turkey and Syria agreed to commission new infrastructure within weeks to expand electricity transmission capacity between the two countries to more than 800 megawatts, a threefold increase from current levels. The upgrade aims to enhance regional energy connectivity.
A separate non-binding agreement was signed between MTA IC and Syria’s general directorate for mineral resources, focusing on phosphate exploration. The deal establishes a framework for potential future joint ventures in resource development.
Turkey’s engagement in regional energy projects extends beyond Syria, with ongoing offshore exploration drilling off Somalia and a recently secured license to search for oil in Libyan waters. The initiatives reflect Ankara’s broader strategy to expand its energy footprint in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
The proposals were communicated during discussions between Bayraktar and Syrian Energy Minister Mohamed al-Bashir, marking a step toward closer energy cooperation despite ongoing political tensions in the region.
