Diplomatic sources from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to a Turkish publication according to which there were plans between Turkey and Syria for the demarcation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“This is a transitional situation in Syria that does not legitimize any such agreement. We are monitoring it. We are in constant communication with Cyprus, neighboring countries, and the European Union,” the ministry sources stated in response to announcements made by Turkey’s Minister of Transport.
Earlier on Monday, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated Turkey is in advanced negotiations with Syria for the determination of an EEZ, as per a report by the Turkish media outlet TGRT Haber,
“We will sign a maritime jurisdiction agreement with the Syrian administration. We are working on an emergency action plan that includes air, rail, road, and communication services in Syria. We will activate the airports,” the Turkish minister reportedly said.
Energy Cooperation Between Turkey and Syria
A delegation from Turkey’s Ministry of Energy is expected to visit Syria “soon” to discuss potential energy cooperation, including the transfer of electricity to address power shortages, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on Monday.
“An energy ministry delegation will visit Syria as soon as possible and conduct inspections of Syria’s electricity and energy infrastructure,” Bayraktar told reporters. According to Reuters, the Turkish delegation will also discuss energy cooperation with the new Syrian government and possible assistance from Turkey, Bayraktar added.
“The main problem in Syria in the energy sector right now is the lack of electricity. A formula will be sought so that (Turkey) can provide electricity to Syria,” he concluded.
Last week, President Erdoğan stated that Ankara would do whatever is necessary for the reconstruction of Syria, including improving energy relations.
Turkey already supplies electricity to certain parts of northern Syria, where it has conducted four military operations since 2016.