DAMASCUS — Türkiye and Syria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Phosphate aimed at developing strategic cooperation in the mining sector and expanding collaboration on the evaluation and production of Syria’s phosphate resources.
The memorandum was signed in Damascus between MTA International (MTA IC), a subsidiary of Türkiye’s General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), and Syria’s General Directorate of Geology and Mineral Resources.
Phosphate Production and Mine Development
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the two countries have significant potential for cooperation in energy and mining.
Bayraktar said the next stage would focus on developing a commercial agreement covering phosphate production, the development of phosphate deposits and the construction of a railway connecting the mining areas to a port.
He described the memorandum as an important first step and said Türkiye and Syria would also work together to bring iron ore deposits around Aleppo into the economy.
Plans for Phosphoric Acid and Fertilizer Production
The cooperation could extend beyond phosphate mining. The two sides are expected to explore the establishment of facilities for sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid production, as well as the rehabilitation of a phosphate transportation fleet and phosphate imports.
The agreement is part of broader efforts to expand Türkiye-Syria cooperation in mining, energy and raw materials, including critical minerals and other mineral resources.
Turkish Companies to Continue Investments in Syria
Bayraktar said Turkish companies would continue their investments in Syria, particularly in infrastructure projects covering electricity generation and transmission.
He also said Türkiye plans to significantly increase electricity exports to Syria once the Birecik-Halep electricity transmission line becomes operational. The additional capacity is expected to bring electricity exports to around 800-900 megawatts, roughly three times the current level.
Bayraktar added that there is further potential for cooperation in oil and natural gas, including both onshore fields and offshore exploration.
The phosphate agreement marks a new step in the expansion of economic ties between Türkiye and Syria as Damascus seeks to increase its production capacity and rebuild its infrastructure and natural-resource industries.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök