Russian companies to participate in some Syrian Oil & Gas Projects

On Wednesday Minister Victor Khristenko and Ibrahim Haddad, Oil and Mineral Resources Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, had a discussion of topical matters of bilateral cooperation in the energy sphere.

They considered the possibility of Russian companies’ participation in the tender for realization of the third stage of the Syrian portion of the strategic pan-Arab gas pipeline project (it extends from the Syrian-Jordanian border to Homs in central Syria). The Russian side has voiced interest in participation in another new promising project Palmira Gas.

Also in discussion were prospects for the participation of Russian companies in pipeline projects, such as Kirkuk-Banias and the Central Trunk Pipeline.

The two noted with satisfaction the success of the Russian companies Stroitransgaz, Tatneft, SoyuzNefteGaz and Uralmash in Syria.

In October 2004 SoyuzNefteGaz won the tender for the survey, development and production of hydrocarbons from the oil and gas blocks 12 and 14. The contracts were signed during the Moscow visit by Syrian President Bashar Asad.

Very soon a contract for the development of the oil and gas block 27 will be signed with Tatneft.

The sides have already agreed on the provision of operative information on the terms of new tenders to be announced by the Syrian government.

The two ministers noted that Russian-Syrian cooperation in the fuel and energy complex has long traditions, though its present-day volume is not enough. They have agreed to provide all-round support to the joint projects of Russian and Syrian companies.