Seeking to rebuild its vital energy sector following the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria is looking to Azerbaijan for crucial assistance in developing its oil and gas fields, according to sources familiar with discussions reported by Middle East Eye (MEE). This potential collaboration was a key topic during the first-ever meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, held last weekend on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.
Sources detailed to MEE that the new Syrian administration under President Sharaa is specifically interested in attracting Azerbaijan's state oil company, SOCAR, to help develop energy resources in northeastern Syria. This region holds significant reserves but remains largely under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) despite a recent unification agreement with Damascus.
The outreach to Azerbaijan carries geopolitical weight. Baku maintains close ties with Israel, a factor the new Syrian government seemingly hopes to leverage. "Syria wants to counterbalance every regional player. Having both Turkey and Azerbaijan involved in operating the oil and gas fields would provide a sense of assurance regarding Israel," a source familiar with the Syrian government's thinking told MEE. This comes shortly after Azerbaijan hosted deconfliction meetings between Turkish and Israeli officials concerning military activities in Syria. A Turkish official also noted that closer Syria-Azerbaijan cooperation could help ease Israeli concerns about the new government in Damascus.
SOCAR's interest in Syria is not entirely new. In January, Elchin Ibadov, CEO of SOCAR Türkiye, expressed readiness to participate in the country's energy sector if it aligned with Azerbaijani and Turkish strategic interests.
Developing these fields requires navigating the complex internal situation. While President Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi signed a unification deal in March, theoretically giving Damascus control over the energy fields, the new government has yet to establish a physical presence. A regional official indicated plans to divide future revenues, with 70 percent directed to the central government and 30 percent reserved for local needs.
Syria's energy infrastructure is severely degraded after years of conflict. According to Syrian news outlet Enab Baladi, current oil production is around 110,000 barrels per day (bpd), starkly contrasting the 385,000 bpd produced in 2010. The vast majority (100,000 bpd) originates from SDF-controlled areas. Natural gas production has similarly plummeted from 30 million cubic meters per day in 2010 to just 9.1 million, with the new government currently controlling most (8 million cubic meters). The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated Syria's proved reserves in 2015 to be 2.5 billion barrels of oil and 240 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
Attracting foreign investment hinges partly on the evolving sanctions landscape. While most international firms left following the Assad government's fall, the EU and UK recently lifted some energy sector sanctions. The US issued General License No. 24 (GL24), permitting certain energy transactions with the new Syrian governing institutions, though it is set to expire in June unless renewed. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has toughened conditions for further sanctions relief, demanding action against certain armed groups.
The meeting in Antalya marks a significant diplomatic opening as Syria's new leadership seeks international partners to aid in reconstruction, with the energy sector being a critical priority. MEE reported seeking comments from both Azerbaijani and Syrian authorities.