Gulfsands Managing Director John Bell returned to Washington D.C. last week with CFO Andrew Morris to meet with senior representatives across the US Administration, U.S. Congress, and key policy institutions to continue important dialogue regarding Syria’s energy future and Gulfsands’ plans for returning to operations there.

Building on the prior US engagements, the visit provided a timely opportunity to report on developments on the ground – following their recent trips to #Syria – and to further reinforce the international cooperation required to help rebuild the Syrian energy sector.

They were struck by the positive support for the Syrian Government, further buoyed by the developments in respect of the new “30th January” agreement between the SDF and Damascus regarding a continued ceasefire and the integration of the Northeast into a united and unified Syria.

This, of course, includes control of the oil and gas fields East of the Euphrates being consolidated under the Damascus Government. During meetings with the National Security Council, the White House, the State Department, and Congressional offices, They discussed how domestic economic activity is critical to ensuring stability in Syria, and what the pathway toward economic and energy self-sufficiency could look like.

They stressed that the energy industry has the size and scale to make a meaningful difference to the Syrian people. Gulfsands believe that Syria’s indigenous oil and gas resources will be central to the country’s economic recovery and that responsible redevelopment of the energy sector will provide reliable domestic power, generate essential foreign currency revenues, and underpin the country’s reconstruction.

Gulfsands is well prepared for a return to its Block 26 assets as soon as circumstance allow and as soon as Force Majeure – in place since 2011 – can be lifted. Such discussions are underway with the Syrian Government.

They reiterated to all US stakeholders Gulfsands’ desire to work with likeminded, international partners, especially those from US, and especially in respect of our broader Syrian strategy which will include the rehabilitation of fields beyond Block 26, as well as the restoration of key infrastructure. They were, for that reason, delighted to meet with the US-Syria Business Council to discuss potential future collaboration.

Finally, They also reconnected with old friends and contacts including respected policy experts and other regional specialists to get their insights on Syrian developments and, as a British company, were, as always, honoured to visit the UK Embassy and receive their guidance and wisdom