Turkey will provide Syria with 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year

Alparslan Bayraktar, the Turkish Energy Minister, said that Turkey would provide 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to Syria.

Bayraktar, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart at Damascus said that Turkey’s gas exports will contribute to 1,300 megawatts more of electricity production for the country.

Ankara is positioning itself for a key role in Syria's rebuilding. It has supported the rebel forces in Syria during the 13-year civil conflict that ended with Bashar al Assad's ouster this month.

He added that Turkey would also provide 1,000 megawatts more of electricity for short-term needs to Syria, its neighbour.

Mohammed al-Bashir, the Syrian Energy Minister, said that they had agreed to activate a pipeline connecting Syria and Turkey. Gas flows are expected to begin in June.

Al-Bashir stated that the increase in electricity production will have a positive impact on the electricity needs of Syrians.

He added that the two ministers discussed the completion of a 400-kilovolt link between the countries. This would allow for the importation of around 500 megawatts into Syria.

The cooperation also involves opening up the doors for Turkish companies to invest, in Syria, in mining, phosphates, electricity generation, and distribution.

Bayraktar stated that "there is a lot of work being done to discover new natural resources on land and at sea, such as oil or gas." Reporting by Riham alkousaa from Damascus, and Huseyin Haatsever from Ankara. Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Louise Heavens.

(source: Reuters)