Turkey plans to pursue an offshore energy exploration agreement with Syria in 2026 and may carry out seismic surveys off Syria’s coast to assess potential resources, Turkey’s energy minister has stated.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said in an interview with Turkish outlet GDH that Ankara and Damascus plan to sign a more specific deal next year after agreeing earlier on a broader framework for cooperation.
Bayraktar said Turkey could conduct seismic research after an agreement is signed to map undersea geology and evaluate potential oil and gas prospects.
He added that an agreement would not necessarily mean Turkey would drill in the area.
Turkey has expanded energy cooperation with Syria since a change of government in Syria in late 2024, as Ankara increased its role in the country’s reconstruction and economic reopening.
Any offshore arrangement could draw scrutiny in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey has long-running disputes with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus over maritime boundaries and energy exploration rights.
Turkey and Syria signed a framework agreement on energy cooperation earlier in 2025.
Turkey aims to increase supplies of gas and electricity to Syria, including power transfers through cross-border connections and gas shipments intended to support electricity generation.
Turkish and foreign companies have announced plans for large-scale power investments in Syria, including gas-fired generation and solar projects.