Energy is no longer just an economic commodity — it has become a strategic instrument of diplomacy that fosters stability and peace in international relations. Through infrastructure investments, resource diversification, and multilateral cooperation, Türkiye has transformed energy into a vital pillar of our foreign policy, connecting and reassuring our region and beyond.
Türkiye is uniquely positioned as an energy hub bridging Europe and Asia, and can now play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction. Despite the challenges Syria has faced over the years, the country retains significant strategic energy assets and occupies a crucial geographic position as a potential transit corridor for regional energy routes. Historically, political tensions and security concerns limited cooperation between us. However, recent developments have opened new doors for dialogue and collaboration that I am confident will bring mutual benefits.
Syria’s Control Map And Oil & Gas Infrastructure
REBUILDING SYRIA’S ENERGY SECTOR
Currently, Türkiye supplies approximately 210MW of electricity daily to Syria’s Aleppo through seven crossing points. And the country is committed to increasing this supply to 300MW by autumn 2025, and then to 500MW within six months. Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resource (MENR) is also working on a 400-kV transmission line project linking Reyhanli with Syria’s Harim in Idlib province, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This will dramatically enhance Syria’s electricity import capacity and help to alleviate chronic power shortages.
In addition to electricity, the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Türkiye’s Kilis region to Aleppo is also on the table. This aims to deliver 6mn m³/d of gas to Syrian power plants, and will be a critical step toward revitalizing Syria’s energy infrastructure.
We also see great potential in supporting the rehabilitation of Syria’s oil sector. Pre-conflict production was around 600,000 b/d but has since fallen to roughly 30,000 b/d. Our plans include seismic surveys and investments to help Syria increase its oil production, potentially reaching 1 million b/d within five years. Beyond oil, Turkish companies are encouraged to invest in Syria’s mining, phosphate, electricity generation, and distribution sectors to help rebuild the economy.
The energy vulnerabilities exposed by the Russia-Ukraine war have underlined Türkiye’s geopolitical and geoeconomic advantages, positioning us as a regional balancing power in energy supply security. Our multi-layered energy diplomacy—from technical contacts with Syria, to negotiations with Iran and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq, and expanding cooperation in Africa—reflects Türkiye’s vision that access to energy is a fundamental human right and essential to regional stability.
While political challenges and sanctions remain obstacles, pragmatic economic interests are guiding us toward cooperation. Türkiye believes incremental confidence-building through cross-border electricity exchanges, joint infrastructure projects, and regulated oil transport will pave the way for deeper energy ties.
Our recent agreements with Syria on electricity and gas supply showcase Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to regional stability. At the same time, advancing green energy solutions alongside traditional hydrocarbon flows and revising our national energy policies to align with expanding international trade and sustainable development.
Today, Türkiye is not only carrying energy — but also carrying stability. This approach not only fosters long-term peace in the region but also strengthens Türkiye’s role on the global stage. As we advance green transformation, boost domestic production, and prioritize people-centered energy access, we will further solidify our leadership in shaping the regional energy architecture.
Energy is no longer just a sector for Türkiye — it is our new promise to the world.
*Leyla Karayılan is an advisor to Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR). She previously served as advisor to the AK Party Foreign Affairs directorate, and continues to take part in foreign policy research and policy.
