Baku, Damascus advance security and bilateral cooperation

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab met with Elnur Shahhuseynov, Azerbaijan’s chargé d’affaires in Damascus, to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation, focusing particularly on security and the functioning of internal affairs agencies.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of sharing expertise and best practices in law enforcement and security management, according to Caliber.Az, citing Syrian media reports.

Officials agreed that such exchanges would enhance stability and serve the common interests of Azerbaijan and Syria.

The discussions form part of a broader initiative to deepen ties between the two nations, following a series of recent diplomatic, economic, and security developments.

The political changes in Syria in late 2024 prompted a recalibration of relations with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani officials reaffirmed support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasising readiness to contribute to stability and reconstruction efforts.

In December 2024, an Azerbaijani delegation met with Syria’s transitional government, signalling a new chapter in bilateral engagement. This was followed by the resumption of Azerbaijan’s embassy operations in Damascus, marking the first step in reviving diplomatic relations after a 13-year hiatus.

In July 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met in Baku, committing to deeper bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on energy projects.

Shortly thereafter, SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Syria for the supply of natural gas. Initial export arrangements are set at 1.2 billion cubic meters annually via Türkiye, with the potential to scale up to 2 billion cubic meters, aimed at revitalising Syria’s energy infrastructure.

Türkiye and Qatar are key partners in this energy corridor, which seeks to expand electricity availability in Syria from just a few hours per day to up to ten hours, representing a significant improvement for the country’s energy sector.

By Tamilla Hasanova