Qatar is set to support Syria by supplying natural gas to enhance its energy sector, backed by the United States. This plan aims to generate an initial 400 megawatts of electricity, amidst ongoing economic troubles in Syria as sanctions are being lifted by various countries. The initiative also fits into broader discussions about the region’s energy infrastructure and geopolitical relationships.
On March 13, a Qatari official announced plans for Qatar to supply natural gas to Syria to enhance its energy sector. Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud al-Sharif, the Qatari Charge d’Affaires in Syria, stated that the initiative involves transporting approved natural gas supplies through Jordan for an initial electricity generation of 400 megawatts, with the intention of increasing this capacity.
Reports from Reuters indicate that this initiative has the backing of the United States, which has expressed approval of the gas supply plan. This development arrives as Syria grapples with a persistent economic crisis stemming from over a decade of war, sanctions, and territorial control challenges.
In a related context, Ahmad Suleiman, the Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Oil Ministry, highlighted the ministry’s engagement in revitalizing the energy sector, referencing the receipt and evaluation of bids for a recent crude oil tender. Attractive offers are being assessed based on necessary specifications and conditions.
Recently, several European Union countries have lifted certain sanctions imposed on Syria during the prior regime of Bashar al-Assad, easing restrictions pertinent to energy, banking, and reconstruction. The UK also removed sanctions on Syria’s central bank.
Despite these advancements, the background of violence and community strife persists in Syria, particularly amid government forces’ actions against civilians. Furthermore, the Syrian government recently forged an agreement with the US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to better regulate the military’s oversight of the oilfields.
Additionally, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed Turkey’s ambitions to enhance Syria’s energy infrastructure and is exploring energy projects that may include oil and natural gas. He noted, “There are many topics that need to mature, from forming an oil pipeline from Syria to Turkiye.”
It is noteworthy that the previously proposed Turkiye–Qatar natural gas pipeline, initially intended in 2009 to facilitate gas transport through Syria, was rejected by the former Syrian government before the onset of conflict in the region.
In summary, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria, supported by the United States, reflects an effort to revitalize the country’s energy sector amid ongoing economic hardships. Recent lifting of sanctions by EU nations and the UK further indicates a shift in the geopolitical landscape concerning Syria’s energy and economic revitalization. However, challenges remain due to the complex socio-political dynamics and the historical context of conflict in the region.
Original Source: thecradle.co
