Türkiye and Azerbaijan Collaborating on Syria's Reconstruction, Says Energy Minister

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated at the International Ayder Energy Forum in Rize that Türkiye views energy resources not as a source of conflict, but as a bridge to peace and mutual prosperity, The Caspian Post reports, citing AZERTAC.

Highlighting the example of neighboring Syria, the Minister noted that after many years of bloody conflict, a process of restoration and normalization has begun in the country. “Today, Türkiye, together with Azerbaijan, is supplying gas to Syria for the purpose of its redevelopment. At the same time, we are providing electricity to the Syrian people and implementing numerous projects in various fields. In this way, we are using energy resources for the sake of peace and development,” the Minister emphasized, drawing special attention to the principle of "mutual benefit."

The Energy Minister stated that Türkiye is striving to minimize its dependence on foreign energy sources while simultaneously realizing joint initiatives abroad.

“Over the last 20 years, the Turkish economy's demand for electricity and natural gas has tripled. According to forecasts, electricity consumption in our country will triple again over the next 30 years,” Bayraktar said, noting that in certain years, Ankara's expenditures on the import of energy resources reached 60-70 billion dollars.

The Minister added that Turkish energy companies are implementing projects in various regions of the world, from Africa and the Middle East to Central Asia.

He also touched on the importance of developing nuclear energy, describing the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as “the embodiment of the Turkish people's 70-year dream.”

“Electricity production at the plant in Mersin province will begin this year, with the first of its four reactors being commissioned. Türkiye’s first nuclear power station is expected to meet 10 percent of the country’s total electricity production,” the Minister noted, further emphasizing that they are ready to begin the construction of new nuclear plants in Sinop and Thrace.

“Thanks to these nuclear power plants (NPPs) and modular reactors, Türkiye will produce up to 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2050. We are determined to achieve this goal,” Bayraktar stated.

At the same time, the Energy Minister expressed Ankara's readiness to contribute to the development of cooperation with neighboring countries, including meeting the energy needs of European nations.