The UK has formally restored diplomatic relations with Syria, eight months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Foreign Secretary David Lammy became the first British minister to visit the
country in 14 years, marking a significant shift in UK foreign policy.
Renewed diplomatic relations
During his visit to Damascus, Lammy met with Syrian President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani. The meetings focused on supporting Syria’s new government in rebuilding the country, launching an inclusive political transition, and pursuing justice for victims of the previous regime.
The Foreign Secretary emphasized that a stable Syria is vital to UK and regional security, helping to prevent a resurgence of Daesh, tackle irregular migration, and combat terrorism.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
“As the first UK Minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country.
After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.
A stable Syria is in the UK’s interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration, ensuring the destruction of chemical weapons, tackling the threat of terrorism and delivering the Government’s Plan for Change”.
UK support for Syria’s recovery
To support Syria’s post-Assad recovery, the UK announced several new funding packages:
- £2 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to assist in dismantling the remnants of Assad’s chemical weapons programme.
- £94.5 million in additional humanitarian aid, focused on urgent relief, education, and economic development, including support for Syrian refugees in neighboring countries.
- Continued support for women-led businesses and economic revitalization initiatives within Syria.
Lammy also visited Syrian Civil Defence volunteers (the White Helmets) to observe their work in removing unexploded ordnance and delivering emergency medical aid.
Looking ahead: regional engagement
Following his Syria trip, Lammy will travel to Kuwait to strengthen bilateral ties and promote UK trade. He will meet senior Kuwaiti leaders to discuss regional security and economic collaboration.
In addition, Lammy is set to announce a new UK–Kuwait partnership aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. New UK funding will provide emergency nutrition, clean water, and health support in Sudan and Somalia—two countries grappling with conflict, famine, and disease. Photo by Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia commons.