LONDON: The UK has formally reestablished diplomatic relations with Syria following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Damascus on Saturday, 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 the Syrian Arab Republic’s political transition and pledge renewed UK engagement in rebuilding efforts, a British government statement said.
A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria’s interim foreign minister Asaad Al-Shaibani (R)meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) in the Syrian capital Damascus on July 5, 2025. (AFP via SANA)
“As the first UK minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen firsthand 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 reestablishing 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 so-called Plan for Change.
During his visit, the minister announced a £2 million ($2.7 million) contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to help eliminate Assad-era chemical weapons stockpiles. Since Assad’s fall, the UK has provided more than £837,000 to support the OPCW’s work in Syria.
Lammy also met Syrian Civil Defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, and women-led businesses benefiting from UK-funded economic recovery programs. The UK has supported the White Helmets with more than £5 million in the past two years.
An additional £94.5 million UK aid package was also unveiled to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, support education and livelihoods, and help neighboring 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.
