Syrian Oil Minister discusses reactivation of Arab Gas Pipeline

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Dec 2023 23:38
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The Syrian Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Firas Hassan Kaddour discussed with counterparts from Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan the potential reactivation of the Arab Gas Pipeline.

An oilfield controlled by a US-backed militia group, in Rmeilan, Hassakeh province, Syria, March 27, 2018 (AP)

During discussions at the 12th Arab Energy Conference in Doha, the Syrian Oil Minister, Firas Hassan Kaddour, explored the possibility of reactivating the Arab Gas Pipeline with counterparts from Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan.

This initiative follows the completion of repairs on Syria's territory, as indicated by the ministry.

"The sides discussed the possibility of launching the Arab Gas Pipeline through Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, which is in the interests of these countries. Kaddour confirmed that the section of the pipeline in Syrian territory is ready for gas transportation after the repair and maintenance works were carried out," the statement read.

The ministers further underscored the significance of enhancing collaboration in the oil and gas sector.

#قطر
بمشاركة #سوريا يرأس وزير النفط والثروة المعدنية د. فراس قدور الوفد السوري إلى مؤتمر الطاقة العربي الثاني عشر الذي تنظمه منظمة الأقطار العربية المصدرة للبترول "#أوابك" على مدار يومين في العاصمة القطرية #الدوحة، تحت شعار “الطاقة والتعاون العربي”.. pic.twitter.com/MrN1IdZlrD
— نغم مستو (@naghammesto) December 11, 2023

🔹المشاركون في مؤتمر الطاقة العربي الثاني عشر المنعقد في #الدوحة أكدوا أن استغلال المصادر الهيدروكربونية مع التحكم في انبعاثاتها سيعزز إمكانية وصول العالم إلى الحياد الصفري المنشود في عام 2050.#اللواء pic.twitter.com/VOal0PWl5G
— اللواء (@al_liwaaQT) December 12, 2023

Negotiated in 2000 by the Sinai Peninsula countries, the pan-Arab gas pipeline saw its first segment inaugurated in 2003, connecting the Egyptian field in El Arish to the Jordanian port city of Aqaba.

The initial section of the Syrian segment was constructed in 2009 by the Russian company Stroytransgaz. Before the outbreak of the war in 2011, Syria facilitated gas transit to and from Lebanon and Jordan.

In June 2022, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria entered into an agreement aimed at facilitating the supply of Egyptian gas to Lebanon to address its electricity challenges.

Notably, the US agreed to exempt gas transit through the pipeline passing through Syria from sanctions, as confirmed by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.

A similar agreement was signed between Beirut, Jordan, and Syria in January 2022.