Turkey is considering the construction of a new oil pipeline to Syria, which would also be integrated with the existing Iraq-Turkey pipeline, according to a statement made by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The minister explained that while there are many aspects of the project still under development, the plan envisions a direct pipeline from Syria to Turkey that would be connected to the Turkey-Iraq oil pipeline, reported by a local media outlet, Rudaw. This proposed pipeline is part of Turkey's broader efforts to strengthen its influence in the region by fostering ties with Syria, a country that has long been embroiled in political unrest.

Bayraktar’s comments came after Turkey took significant steps to establish diplomatic relations with Syria’s new interim government. This government was formed earlier this month by rebel forces who successfully ousted President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of over five decades of Baathist rule in Syria. Following the regime’s collapse, Turkey has moved quickly to capitalize on the power vacuum and is looking to play a central role in Syria’s future, particularly in the reconstruction of the country using its vast natural resources. One of the key resources Turkey is eyeing is Syria’s oil, which holds great potential to help revive the nation’s struggling economy.

Syria's oil production has dramatically declined in recent decades, a fact Bayraktar emphasized in his statement. In the early 2000s, Syria produced around 600,000 barrels of oil per day, a figure that has since plummeted to approximately 30,000 barrels per day. This drastic reduction in oil output has had a severe impact on Syria's income from one of its most important natural resources, leaving the country economically crippled. Bayraktar believes that by tapping into Syria's oil potential and rebuilding its infrastructure, there is a significant opportunity to reinvigorate the nation’s economy and improve its financial situation. He suggested that Turkey’s expertise in energy and infrastructure could be instrumental in supporting Syria’s recovery.

Turkey had been a staunch critic of President Assad for much of the Syrian Civil War, providing strong support to opposition forces and advocating for regime change. However, in a notable shift in foreign policy, Ankara has recently started to reengage diplomatically with Syria. Turkey was one of the first countries to reopen its embassy in Damascus and establish ties with Syria’s newly formed leadership. This shift in approach reflects a broader strategic recalculation by Turkey, which is now seeking to assert its influence in Syria's post-Assad era.

Bayraktar further indicated that he is planning to lead a Turkish delegation to Syria in the near future. This visit would likely focus on exploring the details of potential collaboration on energy and infrastructure projects, including the proposed oil pipeline. By strengthening its relationship with Syria, Turkey hopes to position itself as a key player in the country’s future, with a particular focus on its energy resources. If successful, this pipeline project could help both countries benefit from Syria's oil reserves, providing economic opportunities for reconstruction while enhancing Turkey's energy security and regional influence.