Syria attends Arab oil ministerial meetings for first time since Assad’s fall

• Syria participates in OAPEC Council of Ministers meetings in Kuwait.
• Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir represents Syria.
• Discussions focus on Arab energy cooperation and regional challenges.

Syria took part Sunday in meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) in Kuwait, marking its first attendance since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year.

Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir joined counterparts from member states to discuss ways to strengthen Arab cooperation in oil, gas, and energy, Syria’s state-run Al-Ikhbariya channel reported, citing a statement from the Energy Ministry.

- Focus on energy cooperation -

Ministers reviewed periodic reports from the organization’s secretariat and discussed proposals to develop OAPEC’s work and respond to regional and international challenges affecting the energy sector. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on prospects for joint Arab action and the importance of coordination to tackle current energy issues.

- Syria’s strategic engagement -

Syria’s participation follows changes after Assad’s ouster on December 8, 2024, and reflects Damascus’ efforts to restore its role in specialized Arab organizations. The Energy Ministry said the move underscores Syria’s interest in deepening cooperation with Arab states to support economic development and advance shared interests.

The renewed engagement with OAPEC is also seen as a potential source of technical support, knowledge-sharing, and facilitation of energy supplies, crucial for a country struggling with acute shortages and damaged infrastructure after 14 years of civil war.