Syria Asks Russian Energy Companies to Assist in Restoring Oil Industry

The Syria side has called on major Russian oil and gas companies to assist in the restoration of Syria's energy infrastructure, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Friday.

SOCHI (Sputnik) — The official added that Russian oil and gas producers were considering the details of the Syrian proposals.

"As for Syria, the Syrian side has addressed our Russian companies regarding [their] participation in the restoration of oil and gas projects and infrastructure," Novak told journalists at a briefing within the framework of the Russia-ASEAN summit.

"The matter concerns such companies as Zarubezhneft, Lukoil, Gazprom Neft who have experience in operating abroad and who are able to invest in such projects," Novak added.

The Syrian energy industry has been wrecked by the civil war. In 2015, Daesh terrorist group seized vast areas rich in hydrocarbons and began smuggling oil and gas abroad at low prices.

Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader Halqi said earlier that Russian companies will be given a priority in the restoration of the country following the civil war.

Halqi recalled that many Russian companies are already operating in Syria, including those engaged in offshore exploration.