Supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Syria via Turkey to start soon

BAKU. July 14 (Interfax) - The implementation of the project to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria via Turkey is planned in the near future, the official website of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said following an extended meeting between Aliyev and Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

"It was noted that Syria is currently facing serious energy difficulties. It was emphasized in this light that the project to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria via Turkey's territory will be implemented soon, making contribution to the country's energy security. It was also emphasized that Azerbaijan has the potential to facilitate the restoration of Syria's energy sector," the website said.

Al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan's contribution to addressing Syria's pressing energy issues, adding that this aid facilitates the country's restoration and development.

"During the meeting, Aliyev expressed hope that al-Sharaa's visit to Azerbaijan will become an important stage in the development of bilateral relations. He noted that relations between the two countries were in stagnation during the rule of the previous Syrian leadership, which pursued an unfriendly policy in relation to Azerbaijan for many years. The head of state emphasized that extensive prospects for deepening cooperation opened after the new authorities were formed in Syria," it said.

Aliyev also mentioned the recent visit of the Azerbaijani delegation led by a deputy prime minister and a deputy foreign minister to Syria to discuss projects aimed at cooperation in various sectors.

Al-Sharaa, for his part, thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijan's fraternal support to Syria. The previous Syrian leadership damaged the country's relations with many states, including Azerbaijan, he said, adding that the current leadership is interested in the development of cooperation with Baku in the political, commercial and economic, cultural and humanitarian and other sectors.

"The parties discussed humanitarian, educational and cultural interaction during the meeting. In particular, the exchange of views on a scholarship for Syrian students for education in Azerbaijan, as well as the restoration of cultural memorials, took place," it said.

In addition, it was noted that Azerbaijan, which has the experience of restoration and construction in territories liberated from the occupation, could make considerable contribution to Syria's post-conflict restoration