Türkiye and Syria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in geology, mining, energy raw materials and geothermal energy, marking another step in expanding bilateral economic ties as Syria pursues reconstruction efforts.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the agreement was signed between Türkiye's General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), its international subsidiary MTA International Mining Inc. (MTAIC), and Syria's General Directorate of Geology and Mineral Resources during his visit to Syria.

Under the memorandum, the two countries will cooperate across the entire mining value chain, with a particular focus on phosphate deposits, metallic ores, and strategic and critical minerals. The partnership will cover geological exploration, licensing, mining operations and the production of value-added mineral products.

Focus on phosphate value chain

The agreement also provides for joint geological surveys, technical data sharing and initiatives to strengthen institutional capacity in the mining and energy sectors.

As part of the first phase, the sides aim to expand phosphate rock production and establish long-term trade mechanisms. A later phase envisions the development of integrated industrial facilities for the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers, creating a broader value chain for the resource.

Bayraktar said the cooperation is intended to transform underground natural resources into higher value-added products, contributing to the economic development of both countries while supporting Syria's reconstruction process.

Turkish officials said the partnership will be implemented on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit, with the objective of promoting sustainable economic cooperation and regional development.(ILKHA)