MP: Azerbaijani gas exports set to expand with new link to Syria

Azerbaijani MP Vugar Bayramov has said that the supply of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria will not only enhance that country’s energy security but will also significantly boost Azerbaijan’s geopolitical influence and expand the geography of its gas exports.

Speaking to domestic media, Bayramov — who serves on the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship — described the start of gas exports to Syria as a historic step forward.

“Syria, a country devastated by years of civil war and destruction, is now entering a new phase in which Azerbaijani gas will play a key role in securing its energy needs,” he said. “At the same time, this move strengthens Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position.”

Bayramov noted that the restoration of gas pipelines throughout the Middle East in the post-conflict period opens new opportunities. “Following Syria, Azerbaijani gas could potentially reach Jordan and Egypt via these rehabilitated networks. This would further expand Azerbaijan’s export map,” he said.

He emphasised that the new project offers Azerbaijan the chance to contribute not only to the energy security of Europe and the broader region, but also to that of the Middle East.

“This development reinforces Azerbaijan’s strategic role in shaping the energy landscape of the region. Furthermore, using Azerbaijani gas for power generation could pave the way for exporting electricity to an even wider array of countries,” Bayramov continued.

He pointed out that Azerbaijan’s broader energy strategy includes plans to export green energy to Europe starting in 2027, but current developments already provide scope to supply electricity to the Middle East. “This opens a new avenue for Azerbaijan to diversify its energy exports through electricity,” he said.

According to Bayramov, these agreements will also help expand the investment footprint of SOCAR — Azerbaijan’s state oil company — whose international portfolio has grown in recent years. He added that other Azerbaijani state-owned enterprises could also gain new investment opportunities as the country plays a growing role in ensuring Middle East energy security.

“Syria now becomes the 13th country to benefit from Azerbaijani gas,” he said. “The Kilis-Aleppo pipeline, through which gas will be transported, has a daily capacity of 6 million cubic meters and will reach 2 billion cubic meters annually. In Aleppo, Azerbaijani gas will be used to generate up to 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which will nearly double Syria’s current domestic electricity supply.”

Bayramov also highlighted the Southern Gas Corridor as one of the most impactful initiatives Azerbaijan has undertaken to enhance regional and continental energy security. “The successful implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor was made possible by the political will of President Ilham Aliyev,” he stated.

He recalled that the project had faced significant challenges during its early stages, particularly in terms of financing and route selection. “Nevertheless, Azerbaijan’s commitment ensured the successful realisation of a project that today supplies natural gas to Türkiye, Europe, and now Syria,” Bayramov said.

He concluded by underscoring that President Ilham Aliyev’s strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in advancing projects that solidify Azerbaijan’s place as a key energy supplier to multiple regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova