Minister of Oil: The American occupation and sanctions are the cause of the suffering of the Syrian people

Damascus (ST): The Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, Eng. Bassam Tohme, confirmed that the American occupation of parts of the Syrian territories, including the oil sources, and the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States on the Syrian people, cause great suffering to them by denying them access to the necessary needs for heating, cooking, agriculture, and others.

During his participation via video in the work of a virtual session entitled “Energy Security and Development, a Roadmap to Prosperity” held within the framework of the “Voice of the South” summit organized by the Indian government on the 12th and 13th of this month, Eng. Tohme focused on the challenges facing Syria in the energy field, indicating that the terrorist war on Syria has caused a significant decline in the production of oil, gas and electricity.

Minister Tohme called on Indian companies with great experience to participate in projects in Syria, whether in oil and gas exploration on land and sea, and investment in oil or in renewable energies, whether geothermal, wind or solar energy.

Minister Tohme explained that the legislative environment for investment was accomplished through modern investment law No. 18 of 2022 and Electricity Law No. 41 of 2022, indicating that ensuring energy in the future will only be through close cooperation between friendly countries.

The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources expressed his hope that the voice of the countries of the South, through India’s presidency of the G20 summit, would reach the ears of decision-makers during its next meeting.

Minister Tohme participated in the session at the invitation of the Indian Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs, and it comes within the framework of India’s preparations to host the G20 summit, which it currently chairs.

K.Q.