Erdogan: Türkiye-Azerbaijani gas supplies bolster Syria, regional security

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday hailed natural gas supplies to Syria through a joint Turkish-Azerbaijani initiative as vital to the country's development and regional security, addressing the opening ceremony of Baku Energy Week.

Strategic energy cooperation

Erdogan said the gas deliveries, which began last August under the bilateral initiative, represent an indisputable contribution to Syria's reconstruction and stability. He noted that recent regional developments underscore the importance of energy steps taken with Baku, adding that the two nations have realized mega projects once considered impossible for the region.

The president cited the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas line, and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline as flagship ventures completed with Georgia's participation. Cooperation has deepened through the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz partnerships, while the new Shafag-Asiman project demonstrates that bilateral energy ties continue to expand without slowing, he stated.

Regional connectivity and climate goals

Erdogan noted that the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, which entered service last year, has reinforced energy security in Azerbaijan's autonomous exclave. Electricity interconnections remain strategically significant, he said, adding that the Green Electricity Transmission and Trade project involving Georgia and Bulgaria will enhance wider regional energy security.

On export routes, Erdogan highlighted major opportunities to transport Turkmen natural gas via Azerbaijan and Türkiye, noting that the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline increasingly carries Kazakh resources to Western markets. Ankara aims to lead in global climate action by hosting the COP31 summit in Antalya on November 9-20, reinforcing its vision for renewable and green energy based on efficiency and environmental respect, he added.