Official announcements from the Turkish or Syrian government, or reputable news agencies

Turkey to Sign Maritime Agreement with Syria, Impacting Eastern Mediterranean and Advancing Strategic Interests

Dec 24, 2024, 10:28 AM

Turkey is set to sign a maritime jurisdiction agreement with Syria, according to statements from the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. The agreement is part of a broader action plan to reconnect and develop Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime. Uraloğlu mentioned that the plan includes the reactivation of Syrian airports, restoration of railway connections, improvements to the M4 and M5 roads, and rebuilding of bridges. Additionally, the focus will be on enhancing communication services to support essential infrastructure and facilitate access to international markets. The potential agreement is expected to influence the geopolitical balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey aiming to redefine its relations with neighboring countries while advancing its strategic interests in the region. Russia prints Syria's currency, which Turkey plans to address. The agreement is also anticipated to have a regulatory impact in the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening Ankara's position regarding maritime energy transfer pipelines and drilling activities. This development has caused concern in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus.