Syrian Minister of Energy, Mohammad al-Bashir, announced on platform X that the memorandum was signed with SOCAR (the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) to supply natural gas to Syria.  According to al-Bashir, this move is a step toward energy independence and the establishment of strategic partnerships that benefit the country and its citizens.  This visit marks President al-Sharaa’s first official trip to Azerbaijan since assuming office. He was welcomed at the Zughulba Palace in the capital Baku by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.  Previously, President al-Sharaa met with Aliyev on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on April 14.  Azerbaijan reopened its embassy in Syria on January 4 after a 12-year hiatus, as part of a broader move to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries.  On May 5, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Sharifov, to enhance economic cooperation.  The two sides explored ways to strengthen trade and investment relations, opening new avenues for joint development in various sectors. Economic researcher Adham Qadimati previously told Enab Baladi that cooperation between Syria and Azerbaijan could create significant investment opportunities. Given Azerbaijan’s advanced economic climate, Syria could benefit from such a partnership.  Qadimati highlighted agriculture as a key sector for collaboration, particularly smart agriculture suited for semi-arid conditions—critical amid Syria’s current water scarcity. He described this agreement as a first step in broader bilateral cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of the oil and gas sector, noting that Syria could develop existing oil fields and explore new ones through economic ties with Azerbaijan.  Qadimati added that Syria could benefit from Azerbaijani expertise in technology by localizing the sector rather than relying on imported solutions. This would require major research centers and investment but could help build Syria’s technological infrastructure. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Enab Baladi