Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made significant remarks regarding inspections at Damascus and Aleppo airports, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria’s critical regions with its infrastructure expertise.
Revitalization Efforts for Damascus and Aleppo Airports Begin
Speaking at the Anadolu Broadcasters Association Program, Minister Uraloğlu described the dire condition of Damascus and Aleppo airports:
“There is no radar system. They are attempting to manage air traffic using mobile phone applications. X-ray machines, detectors, and other security equipment are inadequate. The runways are severely worn.”
He announced that the General Directorate of State Airports Authority would take the lead in modernizing Damascus Airport in the first phase of the project, aiming to improve Syria’s aviation infrastructure.
“Syria Needs Everything”
Minister Uraloğlu assessed Syria’s transportation infrastructure, highlighting the country’s need for extensive support in transportation, communication, and energy. He elaborated:
“Syria has five airports, but only Damascus and Aleppo airports are operational. Last year, Damascus Airport handled around 100,000 passengers, while Aleppo managed 50,000–60,000. These numbers represent only a few hours of passenger traffic at Istanbul Airport. We will expedite modernization efforts.”
New Projects for Railways and Highways
The minister also revealed ambitious plans for Syria’s railway infrastructure:
“We plan to restore the railway line extending from Turkey to Damascus. We are aware that some tracks have been stolen or damaged. A swift detection and repair process will be initiated.”
For highways, Minister Uraloğlu noted that Turkey has completed many projects in Syria:
“The condition of the M4 and M5 highways is critical. We continue repairing damaged bridges and improving roads. Our General Directorate of Highways and Ministry of National Defense are making great efforts in this area.”
Syria’s Communication Infrastructure Lags Decades Behind
The minister pointed out that Syria’s communication infrastructure is far from modern standards:
“Many regions in Syria lack even basic mobile phone communication. Their communication infrastructure is 20–30 years behind Turkey’s. Significant investments are required in this field as well.”
Maritime Trade and Cooperation in the Mediterranean
Emphasizing the importance of Syria’s ports as gateways to the Mediterranean, Minister Uraloğlu stated:
“We know that Syria’s ports are severely underdeveloped. We could work on maritime authority agreements to protect our interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Such agreements would enhance both Syria’s and Turkey’s economic strength.”
Joint Resource Management Under International Law
Minister Uraloğlu underlined that oil and hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean could be shared under international law. However, he added that achieving political stability in the region is a prerequisite for such projects.
Strategic Support from Turkey to Syria
Highlighting Turkey’s broad support for Syria, ranging from airports to railways, highways to ports, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that these efforts would strengthen economic and social ties between the two nations.
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