Syria, Lebanon and Jordan sign electric linkage deal to ease power shortages in Lebanon

Syria, Lebanon and Jordan on Wednesday signed an agreement through which Jordan will supply Lebanon with electricity through Syria with the aim of easing power shortages in Lebanon.

Following the signing ceremony, Syria’s Minister of Electricity Ghassan Al-Zamel told journalists in a press conference in Beirut that signing the agreement is a major achievement, stressing that Syria is one of the first countries that seek enhancing pan-Arab cooperation in all fields.

He pointed out that the Syrian government has insisted on accomplishing this electric linkage project as soon as possible, noting that the prime minister directly supervised the work in this project.

 “Signing the deal is the beginning of Arab-Arab cooperation and it will be a good start for further and bigger cooperation between these countries in all domains, Al-Zamel clarified.

On his part, the Lebanese Minister of Energy Walid Fayad described signing the agreement as an important historical moment for Lebanon and the for Arab homeland.

“By this major achievement, we are enhancing joint Arab action and economic and social cooperation and cohesion between the Arabs,” Fayad said.

“We will secure 250 megawatts of electricity from Jordan with support from our Syrian brothers. We count on this joint Arab action to expand cooperation between Arab countries,” Fayad added, pointing out that Lebanon seeks to import gas from Egypt and Jordan with Syria’s support with the aim of supplying the Lebanese Al-Zahrani electricity station with gas.

An agreement in this regard is due to come into force within two months from now, he clarified.

The Jordanian Energy Minister Saleh al-Kharabsheh, on his part, said the deal is important as it strengthens communication and cooperation between Arab countries.

“We are committed to cooperating with each other for the benefit and interest of all, not only Lebanon” he said, pointing out that this contract opens the door for further cooperation in other fields.

Hamda Mustafa