Washington, June 10 (SANA) Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir on Tuesday said Syria aims to position itself as a regional energy hub linking major production centers in the Gulf, Iraq and the Eastern Mediterranean with regional and international markets, while expanding cooperation with U.S. and international energy companies as part of the country’s broader reconstruction and economic development efforts.
Speaking at the Global Energy Forum in Washington, al-Bashir said Syria is entering a new phase focused on reconstruction, economic openness and international cooperation, describing the United States as an important partner in energy, technology, investment and innovation.
“Syria sees this stage as an opportunity to redefine its position as an active partner and a vital regional hub contributing to energy security,” al-Bashir said.
The minister said Syria has made the energy sector a key gateway for international engagement and has established partnerships with leading regional and global companies in recent months.
He pointed to strategic cooperation with U.S. firms Chevron, ConocoPhillips, GE Vernova and HKN Energy, alongside partnerships with TotalEnergies, Siemens and Ansaldo Energia. Advanced discussions are also underway with Italy’s Eni and other European and international companies interested in Syria’s energy sector.
Al-Bashir said the energy sector recently witnessed the signing of one of the largest investment agreements in modern Syria’s history through a partnership with UCC Holding and its regional and international partners.
The agreement includes investments of up to $7 billion in electricity, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, in addition to other partnerships with Turkish, Gulf and regional companies.
The minister said Syria’s vision extends beyond rebuilding damaged infrastructure to strengthening regional energy connectivity, noting that the country’s location places it at a strategic crossroads between energy-producing regions and international markets.
“We are working with our partners to develop integration in oil, gas, electricity and energy infrastructure to enhance regional energy and economic security,” he said.
Al-Bashir added that cooperation with Iraq, including discussions on rehabilitating and operating the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and serve the interests of both countries.
He said the ministry’s strategy focuses on four priorities: modernizing energy infrastructure, strengthening energy security and diversification, attracting long-term investment and technology transfer, and reinforcing Syria’s role as a regional energy corridor.
According to the minister, work is already underway to rehabilitate facilities in the oil, gas and electricity sectors, improve power generation capacity and launch new projects in electricity generation, exploration and renewable energy.
“Our message is clear: Syria’s doors are open to responsible investment and long-term partnerships,” al-Bashir said.
A Syrian delegation headed by al-Bashir is participating in the Global Energy Forum, held in Washington on June 9 and 10, to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and discuss investment opportunities available to U.S. companies in Syria’s energy and infrastructure projects.
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