DAMASCUS, Syria (Chatnewstv.com) — Britain has officially renewed diplomatic relations with Syria, eight months after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking the first ministerial-level engagement between the two countries in 14 years.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus on Saturday, meeting Syria’s new President, Farouk Al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Hani al-Shaibani, in what UK officials described as a “critical step” in stabilizing the region and addressing shared security concerns.
“This visit marks a new chapter,” Lammy said in a statement released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “After over a decade of war and repression, Syrians are now rebuilding. The UK is re-establishing relations to help deliver a stable, more secure, and prosperous future.”
Lammy emphasized British support for Syria’s political transition, economic recovery, and justice for victims of the Assad regime, which ruled Syria with an iron grip before its fall in late 2024.
During his visit, Lammy pledged £94.5 million in new UK assistance to Syria and countries hosting Syrian refugees. The funding will support humanitarian aid, education, and long-term recovery, as well as an additional £2 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to assist in dismantling Assad-era chemical weapons stockpiles.
“We want to ensure Assad’s horrific chemical legacy is fully destroyed,” Lammy said. “This is essential for Syrians — and for global security.”
The UK foreign secretary also met with members of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, praising their efforts in removing unexploded ordnance and providing emergency medical aid.
“A stable Syria is in the UK’s national interest,” Lammy added, “whether it’s reducing irregular migration, preventing the resurgence of terrorism, or tackling the root causes of conflict in the region.”
Following his stop in Syria, Lammy is expected to travel to Kuwait to meet Gulf leaders and announce a new UK-Kuwait partnership addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and Somalia.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
