Overview
- Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani presided over a public flag-raising at the Belgrave Square building, marking the mission’s official return after more than a decade.
- Crowds of Syrians and supporters gathered outside the embassy, chanting in celebration as the new flag was raised.
- The embassy had been shuttered since 2012–2013, when the UK severed relations over the former Assad government’s violent crackdown during the uprising.
- The reopening follows recent policy shifts reported by outlets, including UK sanctions relief, the de‑proscription of HTS by the UK and US, and a White House meeting between President Ahmad Al Shara and President Donald Trump.
- Syrian officials say an ambassador will be named soon and consular services are planned for 2026, while practical hurdles such as a dilapidated building and an expiring lease remain; the UK Foreign Office declined to discuss meeting agendas.