Syria to sign electricity deal with Turkey, says minister
Syria is preparing to finalize an agreement to import electricity from Turkey via a high-voltage transmission line linking the two countries, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said on Sunday, according to the state news agency.
The 400-kilovolt transmission line is expected to be operational "soon," marking a significant step in Syria's efforts to address its chronic power shortages.
In addition to the electricity deal, Damascus is also pursuing the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Turkish border town of Kilis to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. Al-Bashir said the planned pipeline would supply up to 6 million cubic meters of gas per day to Syrian power plants, helping to stabilize the country's energy infrastructure.
Syria has faced widespread electricity outages in recent years and has previously announced efforts to cooperate with regional partners, including Gulf countries, to rebuild its energy and electricity sectors.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Anbat News
11 hours ago
- Al Anbat News
Gold Prices Soar to Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability
الأنباط - "Gold Prices Soar to Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability" Recently, gold has experienced significant fluctuations in its prices due to ongoing economic and political changes both regionally and globally. Gold prices have been heavily influenced by global inflation, monetary policies implemented by central banks, as well as political tensions and wars, which have led to an increase in demand for gold as a safe haven. Additionally, investment funds and central banks have played a prominent role in driving prices higher. Saleem Dheeb, Secretary-General of the Jewelers' Syndicate, spoke to Al-Anbat, stating: "As inflation rises, the value of gold increases as a safe haven against the erosion of the purchasing power of currencies. Consequently, gold has become a crucial refuge for investors who are looking to preserve their wealth amid the ongoing rise in prices." He pointed out that global deficits and high debt, along with interest rates on the U.S. dollar, have contributed to the surge in gold prices, explaining that whenever interest rates are reduced, gold prices directly increase. This is due to a decrease in returns on U.S. dollar investments, prompting investors to turn to gold as a safer alternative. Dheeb continued: "Since gold is priced in dollars, any decline in the dollar's purchasing power leads to a rise in gold prices against the dollar. This depreciation of the dollar contributes to the increased demand for gold, thereby pushing its prices higher." He noted that one of the key factors contributing to the rise in gold prices has been the continuous effort of investment funds and central banks to increase their gold reserves, creating pressure on supply and further driving up prices. Dheeb further explained that the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy has been caught between two difficult choices: either raise interest rates to curb inflation, which could lead to increased unemployment and a decrease in durable goods sales, or lower interest rates, which would lead to a rise in gold prices. He also emphasized that economic decisions made by the U.S. administration under President Trump significantly contributed to the rise in gold prices, particularly with changes in policies such as raising tariffs, followed by President Trump's visit to the Middle East, which brought some stability to gold prices. However, with the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Israel's entry into a war with Iran, gold prices have once again experienced extreme volatility. On the other hand, Dheeb highlighted the impact of global prices on the local market in Jordan, where pricing starts from the global price and is then adjusted based on local supply and demand. He added that demand for gold in Jordan has shifted this year, with investment purchases surpassing those for jewelry. The market has seen an increase in demand for gold ounces and liras, particularly after the price of an ounce rose by more than 30% in one year. He mentioned that the Jewelers' Syndicate has kept up with price fluctuations by issuing daily bulletins on changes in global prices. The Syndicate also allowed the production of 14-karat gold in an effort to offer an option more suited to the financial capabilities of citizens, while closely monitoring local markets in collaboration with the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization. Mohammad Al-Hroub, a trader, stated that the rise in global gold prices has become extreme, especially given the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine, the Gaza conflict in the Middle East, and the recent war between Iran and Israel, along with the continuous political tensions in the region. He also pointed out that China has been buying large quantities of gold as a safe haven, adding economic weight. He observed the confusion and anxiety evident in the actions of local citizens, as the vast majority are now buying gold as a store of wealth rather than for decoration. This shift has led to an increase in demand for both the Rasheed and English gold liras, as well as ounces. Many people have also opted to sell their existing gold and jewelry in order to make substantial profits compared to gold prices from previous years. Al-Hroub noted that local traders and gold markets have adapted by offering lower-karat gold jewelry, such as 14-karat gold, and smaller weights, making it more affordable for citizens, especially those preparing for marriage. He emphasized that many young couples are now unable to afford the traditional wedding jewelry, known as "the bride's dowry," which is a crucial part of Jordanian marriage customs. In conclusion, gold prices remain susceptible to ongoing fluctuations due to global political and economic events. Despite the challenges facing gold markets, this precious metal will continue to be one of the safest havens sought by individuals and institutions during times of crisis. It is expected that gold price volatility will continue based on changes in monetary policy and global geopolitical factors, making it crucial for investors, traders, and citizens to closely monitor these developments.
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Al Bawaba
DP World International League T20 and Kuwait Cricket Board enter strategic partnership for growth of the sport in Kuwait
The DP World International League T20 and the Kuwait Cricket Board have entered an exciting partnership for the growth of the sport in Kuwait. Through the partnership the DP World ILT20 will organise cricket matches in the country which will be aimed at identifying and developing the participating agreement between the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 was inked at a signing ceremony organised recently at the Dubai International Stadium. As per the agreement, a domestic event like the DP World ILT20 UAE Development Tournament, will be conducted annually in Kuwait to provide the players from Kuwait an opportunity to get selected by ILT20 franchises for the main DP World ILT20 event. In the coming years, the league will also aim to host DP World ILT2o matches in Kuwait. Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni: 'We are very proud to announce our collaboration with Kuwait Cricket Board as they join our league [DP World ILT20]. It is a great honour for us, and we look forward to many more such collaborations in the future. Kuwait is very important to us; it is a great country and keen on promoting and further developing cricket. 'Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries are all one, the [cricket playing] communities are residing throughout the region and our aim with the DP World ILT20 is to grow and develop the game in the entire region. Our endeavour is to provide maximum opportunities to the players and for the fans to join us at this great tournament which we are trying to grow more and more.'President Kuwait Cricket Haider Farman: 'I am honoured to formalise this agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to further promote the DP World ILT20 — not only in our two nations but across the entire region. This partnership is a key pillar of the league's broader vision for the growth and globalisation of cricket. We firmly believe that cricket can serve as a powerful bridge between our countries, and we look forward to this collaboration bringing meaningful benefits to our players, coaches, and officials alike.'It is also a matter of great pride that Kuwait becomes the first country in the world to be officially recognized as a strategic partner of the DP World ILT20.'Cricket continues to grow in popularity in the State of Kuwait, with Kuwait Cricket making significant strides both on and off the field. This landmark collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board and the ILT20 will play a critical role in helping us realize our long-term vision — to involve more Kuwaiti nationals in our cricketing ecosystem, especially as players and officials.'With the Asian Games scheduled to take place in Qatar in 2030 and Saudi Arabia in 2034, the timing couldn't be better. DP World ILT20 can be a transformative force in inspiring the next generation of local talent to embrace the sport across the GCC like never before.'CEO DP World ILT20 David White: 'I would like to congratulate Kuwait Cricket on their vision and foresight that has led to this exciting alliance. The DP World ILT2o's long term vision is to grow the game not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region.'This partnership provides a great opportunity for Kuwait Cricket and their young players to develop further. We have seen it in the DP World ILT20 how the young UAE players have benefited enormously through this incredible platform under some world-class coaching.'The UAE team recently won a T20I series against Bangladesh which is indeed a testament to the success of the DP World ILT20 as a lot of the UAE team members had received great exposure at the league in recent years, surely Kuwait and other countries in the region are going to benefit as well.'Director General Kuwait Cricket Sajid Ashraf: 'This momentous collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board — a true leader in regional cricket development and the driving force behind the world-class DP World ILT20 — marks a historic milestone for Kuwait Cricket. It opens the door to a long-awaited dream: enabling our Kuwait players to pursue full-time professional cricket careers on the international franchise stage.'Just as importantly, it offers a powerful platform for corporate houses in Kuwait to connect with a vibrant, cricket-loving expatriate community of over two million people, within a total population of five million. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for Kuwaiti brands to expand their footprint regionally, starting with the UAE. We are deeply passionate about our Kuwaiti businesses becoming an integral part of both KCC and the DP World ILT20.'These well-established corporations in Kuwait have so much to offer in supporting the continued growth of cricket across the region, and their involvement will only strengthen the sport's ecosystem. This is undoubtedly a win-win for all stakeholders — players, sponsors, partners, fans, and the broader cricket community. We are excited about the ILT20 Development Tournament and eagerly await the first ball being delivered right here in the State of Kuwait.' Meanwhile, the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with the six-team, 34-match tournament set to conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Roya News
a day ago
- Roya News
Over 2 million Syrians return home since Assad's ouster: UN
More than two million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, marking a turning point in Syria's years-long crisis, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "Over two million Syrian refugees and displaced have returned home since December—a sign of hope amid rising regional tensions," Grandi wrote Thursday on X, as he traveled from Lebanon to Syria on the occasion of World Refugee Day. I am in Lebanon, heading to Syria for #WorldRefugeeDay. Over two million Syrian refugees and displaced have returned home since December—a sign of hope amid rising regional tensions. This proves that we need political solutions—not another wave of instability and displacement. — Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) June 19, 2025 Grandi emphasized the importance of achieving a lasting political resolution to the Syrian conflict. 'This proves that we need political solutions—not another wave of instability and displacement,' he said. The surge in returns follows the December 8 ouster of longtime Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after nearly 25 years in power. Assad's departure ended the Baath Party's decades-long rule, in place since 1963. Ahmad al-Sharaa, a leading figure in the opposition forces that pushed out the Assad regime, was declared transitional president in late January. His leadership has ushered in cautious optimism among Syrians both inside and outside the country. The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 after Assad's violent crackdown on peaceful protests, displaced over half the population, with millions seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Grandi's visit to Lebanon—a country hosting an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees—underscored the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the challenges of voluntary return. While many returnees are hopeful, they often find their homes destroyed or uninhabitable after 14 years of war. Reconstruction remains a massive challenge, with the UN estimating the cost at more than $400 billion. However, with the lifting of Western sanctions following the regime's fall, Syria's new authorities are seeking international assistance to begin rebuilding efforts.
