Türkiye and Syria have signed a phosphate cooperation deal covering production, mining-site development and transport infrastructure as the two neighbours seek to deepen energy ties.
Under the memorandum of understanding, signed in Damascus on Wednesday, the two countries will cooperate on phosphate production, mining-site development and related transport infrastructure.
The memorandum was concluded between MTA International, a subsidiary of Türkiye’s General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, and Syria’s General Establishment of Geology and Mineral Resources.
Speaking at a joint news conference following the signing ceremony, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the two countries had significant potential for cooperation, particularly in the energy and mining sectors.
“Following the signing of this framework agreement, we aim to develop a project covering phosphate production, the development of phosphate fields and the construction of a railway extending to the port,” Bayraktar said.
He described the agreement as “a very good beginning”, adding that the two countries would also work together to bring iron ore deposits near Aleppo into the economy.
Electricity exports to nearly triple
Bayraktar said Turkish companies would continue investing in Syria, particularly in electricity generation, transmission and other infrastructure projects.
Türkiye has gradually increased electricity supplies to Syria as part of its support for the country’s reconstruction, he said.
“With the Birecik-Aleppo transmission line expected to become operational in the coming weeks, we will nearly triple these exports and reach 800 to 900 megawatts,” Bayraktar added.
The new line is expected to increase the number of hours electricity is available each day in Syria.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al Bashir said the transmission line, which is expected to supply around 500 megawatts to Aleppo and surrounding areas, was planned to enter service by the end of September.
He said the project would help stabilise energy supplies and improve public services, particularly electricity provision.
Oil and gas exploration
Bayraktar said Türkiye was also ready to cooperate with Syria in oil and natural gas exploration, including in offshore areas and existing onshore fields where production could be increased or new reserves discovered.
Türkiye’s state energy company, Turkish Petroleum, was prepared to conduct seismic surveys and drilling operations in partnership with Syrian and international companies, he added.
“We want to work together to bring Syria’s resources into the economy through partnerships, beginning with seismic studies and followed by drilling,” Bayraktar said.
He noted that Türkiye had gained significant offshore exploration experience through its discoveries in the Black Sea and operations in Somalia.
Bayraktar also highlighted Syria’s geothermal energy potential, saying Türkiye could share its expertise as the country with the world’s fourth-largest installed geothermal capacity.
Such cooperation could make an important contribution to Syria’s reconstruction, development and long-term stability, he added.
Al Bashir said the phosphate agreement would lay the foundation for broader mining cooperation, including plans to establish sulphuric and phosphoric acid production facilities, rehabilitate Syria’s phosphate transport fleet and facilitate phosphate imports.
