Turkey Steps Up Energy Support for Syria

Turkey's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that a delegation is in Damascus to assess Syria's energy infrastructure and discuss the potential export of electricity to both Syria and Lebanon. Following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Turkey aims to assist in rebuilding Syria, where electricity capacity has plummeted from 8,500 megawatts to about 3,500 megawatts due to the civil war. Bayraktar emphasized the urgent need for electricity, as many residents currently rely on generators. The Turkish government is also evaluating how Syria's own oil and natural gas resources can be utilized to support energy needs. With nearly three million Syrian refugees in Turkey, the minister expressed hope that improved conditions could lead to more returns to their homeland. Turkey has pledged to play a significant role in the reconstruction efforts in Syria.