Overview
- Foreign Secretary David Lammy became the first British minister to visit Damascus since 2011, officially reestablishing full diplomatic ties with Syria’s interim administration.
- In April the UK lifted sanctions on dozens of Syrian government and media bodies as well as key businesses to support the country’s economic recovery.
- Lammy pledged £94.5 million for urgent humanitarian aid and long-term rebuilding efforts, including assistance for nations hosting displaced Syrians.
- Meetings with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani covered bilateral cooperation, inclusive political transition and security sector reforms.
- UK officials said a stable Syria would help curb irregular migration, ensure destruction of chemical weapons and strengthen counterterrorism collaboration.