DAMASCUS (Realist English). The United Kingdom has formally restored diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a major shift in policy more than a decade after the start of the country’s devastating civil war. Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the announcement during a visit to Damascus — the first by a British minister since 2010.
“There is renewed hope for the Syrian people,” Lammy said in a statement following meetings with Syrian officials. “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 met with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who replaced long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad after his ouster in December by opposition forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Assad’s fall ended more than 13 years of war and isolation for Syria.
The UK visit comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting Washington’s long-standing sanctions against Syria — a move that reopens access to international financial systems and paves the way for reconstruction.
Britain had already eased sanctions in April, unfreezing the assets of Syria’s central bank and 23 state-linked entities, including energy companies. However, restrictions remain on individuals associated with the previous regime.
In Damascus, Lammy pledged £94.5 million in additional humanitarian and development aid, aimed at addressing urgent needs on the ground, supporting long-term recovery, and helping neighboring countries still hosting millions of Syrian refugees.
“A stable Syria will reduce the risk of irregular migration, ensure chemical weapons are destroyed, and help combat terrorism,” Lammy said, emphasizing the strategic stakes of re-engagement.
In talks with Syrian officials, Lammy reiterated the UK’s support for an “inclusive and representative political transition” and underscored Britain’s readiness to work with the new authorities in building accountable governance.
After Damascus, Lammy is expected to travel to Kuwait, where discussions will focus on regional security and a new UK-Kuwaiti partnership to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
