The United Kingdom announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria, coinciding with Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to the capital, Damascus, where he held a series of meetings with senior Syrian officials.
Official sources reported that the British minister held a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara’a, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop cooperation between the two countries, in addition to discussing regional and international developments.
In a statement issued from London, Lammy indicated that the decision to restore relations stems from his country’s commitment to supporting the new Syrian government to achieve a stable, secure, and prosperous future for all Syrian citizens. He added, “There is renewed hope for the Syrian people, and it is in our interest to support the current government in fulfilling its obligations to its people.”
Lammy also held extensive talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, which addressed strengthening dialogue and cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the British minister conveyed his country’s pledge to support the agricultural and education sectors in Syria, in addition to extending an official invitation to the Syrian Foreign Minister to visit London in the coming period. The talks included an initial agreement to reopen the Syrian embassy in London and form a Syrian-British Economic Council to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
In remarks on the X platform, the British Foreign Secretary welcomed Syria’s recent progress, affirming his country’s readiness to support the new Syrian government, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive political transition in the country.
The British envoy to Syria had previously explained that she had discussed with the Syrian Interior Minister priorities for security cooperation and counterterrorism, reiterating Britain’s commitment to supporting Syria in its efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.
It is worth noting that Britain had severed diplomatic relations with Syria in mid-2012 due to the escalation of events and protests in the country. Last April, the British Treasury announced the lifting of the asset freeze previously imposed on the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior and security services, as part of European steps aimed at gradually lifting sanctions on Syria completely.
