Syrian, Iranian Electricity Cooperation

DAMASCUS, (ST) – The Minister of Electricity Imad Khamis underlined the importance of developing cooperation in the field of electric power with Iran and the expansion of its future prospects, calling for exerting efforts to address all the outstanding issues with Iranian companies, especially the implementation of some of the old contract and the removal of obstacles in order to achieve mutual benefit for both countries.

During a meeting with a delegation representing private companies in the Ministry of Energy of Iran, headed by Iranian Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Bahram Nizam Mallaqi, the minister said: “We look forward to a long-term cooperation and the establishment of an agreement with the Iranian companies in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, stressing that Syria highly appreciates Iranian positions and the Iranian companies have a priority in investment.

He explained that the Syrian side possesses high responsibility in terms of the removal of all obstacles in the contracts signed with the Iranian “Barcain” company and supports the initial visions to address the outstanding problems.

Mr. Khamis focused on the subject of the exchange of experience, qualification and training between the two sides and to provide facilities for all projects under implementation with the Iranian side and stimulate investments which will be reflected positively on the reality of the electricity sector in Syria.

For his part, Mr. Mallaqi expressed the Iranian companies’ desire to engage with the Syrian side in visions about future contracts and to overcome all the obstacles in the old contracts, particularly with the “Barcain” company and its willingness to invest in power stations and the provision of technical expertise, educational training and provide the Syrian side with smart electricity meters.

In a statement to local press, he said that the Ministry of Energy of Iran has the intention to establish an office in Syria provides the Syrian side with the necessary information and expertise and that there is an approval from the Iranian Association of Electricity, which includes more than 500 companies and plants, to carry out acts in Syria.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Electricity Eng. Nidal Qurmosha said in a statement that it was agreed with the Iranian side to develop a program to support the electricity and energy sector in Syria, through the delivery of strategic studies of this sector and all its development involvements with other sectors.

Sharif al -Khatib