By establishing an EEZ with Türkiye, Syria could expedite its economic recovery through offshore energy development, increased energy independence, and strengthened regional ties.
An EEZ agreement with Türkiye could serve as a catalyst for Syria’s economic recovery, contrary to concerns about potential drawbacks. Syria’s offshore energy reserves remain largely untapped, and Türkiye’s experience in exploration and infrastructure could help unlock these resources, attracting foreign investment and reducing reliance on energy imports. Additionally, the agreement could enhance regional cooperation, stabilizing Syria’s geopolitical position. By capitalizing on its energy potential through Türkiye’s support, Syria could expedite its reconstruction and strengthen its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape.
Contrary to concerns that an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Türkiye could jeopardize Syria’s economic recovery, such a deal could, in fact, provide a significant boost to the war-torn country’s reconstruction efforts. By capitalizing on its offshore energy resources through cooperation with Türkiye, Syria could secure much-needed investment, enhance its energy independence, and strengthen regional stability.
1. Unlocking Untapped Energy Resources
Syria’s offshore reserves, located within the Zagros Fold Belt, hold an estimated 80.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 3.3 billion barrels of oil (US Geological Survey, 2025). This region is geologically similar to the resource-rich Levant Basin, which has already yielded major discoveries such as Israel’s Leviathan and Tamar fields, Egypt’s Zohr field, and Cyprus’s Aphrodite field (Energy Information Administration, 2024).
While international energy companies have been hesitant to invest in Syria due to political uncertainty, an EEZ agreement with Türkiye would provide legal clarity and infrastructure support to tap into these vast reserves. Türkiye, which has developed its own energy exploration capacity through projects in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, could help Syria develop its offshore fields efficiently and access global markets.
Scientific studies on hydrocarbon exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean suggest that early investment in offshore energy projects leads to economic revitalization, job creation, and a reduction in energy import dependency (Søreide & Williams, 2023). By securing an EEZ with Türkiye, Syria would position itself as a key energy player in the region, attracting further foreign investment.
2. Strengthening Energy Security and Economic Growth
A partnership with Türkiye would allow Syria to benefit from existing Turkish energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and refineries. Türkiye’s Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and its growing LNG network offer Syria a ready-made export route for its gas (TANAP Official Website).
Moreover, natural gas production would reduce Syria’s dependence on costly energy imports, freeing up resources for critical reconstruction efforts. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has emphasized that nations rich in natural gas reserves that successfully develop their offshore fields experience a 5-7% GDP growth increase per year due to energy exports and reduced import costs (IEA World Energy Outlook 2024).
Recent energy policy research has also found that integrating into regional energy networks accelerates post-conflict economic recovery (Amiri et al., 2022). Syria could leverage Türkiye’s experience, technical expertise, and existing supply routes to maximize the benefits of its offshore energy resources.
3. Geopolitical Stability and Regional Integration
Contrary to the argument that an EEZ agreement with Türkiye would alienate the EU, recent geopolitical trends suggest that energy cooperation fosters diplomatic engagement rather than division. The normalization process between Türkiye and Egypt, as well as improved relations between Türkiye and Gulf states, indicates that economic pragmatism is overtaking old rivalries (Kirişci, 2024).
By signing an EEZ agreement, Syria would cement its ties with Türkiye, one of its most crucial neighbors, ensuring continued political and logistical support for reconstruction. Additionally, scientific analyses of maritime disputes (Özkan, 2023) have shown that bilateral EEZ agreements lead to more stable geopolitical conditions, as clearly defined maritime boundaries reduce tensions over resource competition.
Furthermore, energy cooperation with Türkiye does not necessarily preclude Syria from engaging with other regional players. Türkiye has already demonstrated that it can balance competing interests by maintaining simultaneous energy partnerships with Russia, Azerbaijan, and Qatar. A carefully negotiated EEZ agreement could allow Syria to pursue its economic goals while keeping diplomatic channels open with the EU, Gulf states, and regional actors.
4. A Realistic Path Forward for Syria
Unlike the argument that Syria should wait for a more favorable geopolitical climate, evidence suggests that delaying energy development could cost Syria billions in potential revenue. Historical case studies, such as Lebanon’s prolonged negotiations over its EEZ with Israel, demonstrate that delays in offshore energy projects lead to lost investment opportunities and prolonged economic stagnation (Shaaban, 2024).
With Türkiye actively expanding its energy exploration capabilities in the Mediterranean, a Syria-Türkiye EEZ agreement would ensure that Syria is not left behind in the race for Eastern Mediterranean energy development. Instead of viewing Türkiye as a competitor, Syria can leverage Türkiye’s experience, infrastructure, and geopolitical weight to accelerate its economic recovery.
Furthermore, Türkiye’s recent success in Black Sea gas discoveries (Reuters, 2023) demonstrates its ability to develop and extract offshore resources efficiently. A partnership with Türkiye could bring much-needed technological expertise, investment, and logistical support to Syria’s offshore gas projects.
Conclusion
Far from jeopardizing Syria’s reconstruction, an EEZ agreement with Türkiye would provide a clear path to economic revitalization, energy security, and geopolitical stability. Scientific research supports the idea that early investment in offshore energy resources—backed by regional infrastructure—accelerates GDP growth, attracts foreign investment, and fosters diplomatic cooperation.
While geopolitical sensitivities must be managed carefully, Syria stands to gain significantly from a well-negotiated EEZ agreement that ensures economic stability, energy independence, and long-term regional partnerships. If Syria strategically navigates its EEZ negotiations, it can unlock its vast energy potential and emerge as a stronger economic actor in the region.
