- ARAB NEWS
- 05 Jul 2025
Since 1975
LONDON: The UK has formally re-established diplomatic relations with Syria following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Damascus, the first such trip by a British minister in 14 years.
The visit marks a major shift in UK foreign policy, eight months after the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Lammy met President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani to offer support for Syria’s political transition and pledge renewed UK engagement in rebuilding efforts, a government statement issued on Saturday 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,” Lammy said.
“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.”
Lammy said a stable Syria would reduce the risk of irregular migration, prevent the resurgence of Daesh, and enhance regional security — all key priorities under the Government’s Plan for Change.
Today in Damascus I met with President Al-Sharaa and FM @AsaadHShaibani. I welcomed progress made and stressed the need for an inclusive and representative political transition.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 5, 2025
The UK stands ready to support the new Syrian Government. pic.twitter.com/uKGDwIcJdT
During the visit, Lammy announced a £2 million ($2.7 million) contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to help eliminate Assad-era chemical weapons stockpiles. Since Assad’s fall, the UK has already provided over £837,000 to support the OPCW’s initial work in Syria.
He also met with Syrian Civil Defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, and women-led businesses benefiting from UK-funded economic recovery programmes. The UK has supported the White Helmets with over £5 million in the past two years, including £2.25 million this financial year.
An additional £94.5 million UK aid package was also unveiled to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, support education and livelihoods, and help neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The UK has contributed £4.5 billion to Syria and the region since 2011.
Following his Damascus visit, the Foreign Secretary will travel to Kuwait for talks focused on regional security and trade. A new joint UK-Kuwait initiative will be announced to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan and support relief work in Somalia.
