- Ankara Eyes Maritime Demarcation Deal with Syria’s Interim Administration.
- Turkey to Boost Ties with Syria Following Assad’s Fall.
- Erdogan Pushes for Trade, Energy, and Defense Cooperation with Syria.
Turkey is preparing to negotiate a maritime demarcation agreement with Syria once a permanent government is established in Damascus, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced on Tuesday, December 24. The move marks Ankara’s desire to further strengthen relations with its neighbour following a significant political shift in Syria, reports Reuters.
Improved Relations with Syria’s Interim Administration
Turkey has been closely engaging with Syria’s new interim administration after supporting Syrian rebels who recently toppled President Bashar al-Assad, ending a 13-year civil war. Already, high-level discussions have taken place, including a meeting between the Turkish intelligence chief and foreign minister with de-facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also stated that Ankara intends to increase cooperation with Syria in areas such as trade, energy, and defence.
Focus on the Maritime Demarcation Agreement
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stressed that Turkey is to negotiate with the new Syrian government on the demarcation agreement maritime. Though the installation of a legitimate authority in Damascus is a pre-requisite, Uraloglu insisted that the demarcation agreement is an important agenda in the future.
The proposed agreement, which would adhere to international law, aims to define maritime boundaries and authorities for oil and hydrocarbon exploration. “It will be on our agenda for sure, but it’s hard to say that it’s on today’s agenda,” Uraloglu said.
Path Towards Cooperation in Energy and Exploration
The potential maritime pact is part of greater regional aspirations for cooperation between Syria and Turkey. The accord concerning the Mediterranean boundaries and rights will formalize an opening into cooperative oil and hydrocarbon search. This would serve to mark a significant milestone for the rebuilding of the previously interrupted diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
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Source: Reuters
