Doha: Qatar announced an initiative Thursday to supply natural gas to Syria through Jordan to help boost that country’s meager power supply. The initiative aims to “contribute to generating electricity starting from 400 megawatts, with gradual increases by Qatar Development Fund,” Syria’s state news agency, SANA, quoted Qatari Charge d’Affaires in Damascus Khalifa Abdullah Al Sharif.
According to Anadolu Agency, Syrian Electricity Minister Omar Shaqrouq stated that the Qatari grant will contribute to supporting the Syrian energy sector by providing 2 million cubic meters of natural gas daily. “This contribution will generate an additional 400 megawatts of electricity, improving the power supply and increasing it by two to four hours per day,” he told SANA. “This will positively impact citizens’ daily lives and support vital sectors in the country.”
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari emphasized Qatar’s commitment to providing energy support to Syria, highlighting that the assistance will cover the entire Syrian territory, contributing to greater stability. In an interview with the Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel, Al Ansari noted that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued clear directives to support the Syrian people, with the goal of meeting the requirements for Syria’s reconstruction.
Al Ansari reiterated that Qatar “has stood by the Syrian people throughout their revolution from 2011 to 2024 and is now committed to supporting their rebuilding efforts.” He further emphasized Qatar’s coordination with international partners to provide aid to Syria, valuing “relations with global partners, including the United States.”
“We hold daily discussions with our partners to coordinate roles in supporting the Syrian people,” Al Ansari added, stressing that the emir’s directives are clear in ensuring continued assistance for Syria.
Syria is experiencing severe power shortages worsened by the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, which the country’s new administration is scrambling to address. Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.