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UK Restores Full Diplomatic Relations With Syria During Lammy’s Damascus Visit

Building on recent US sanctions relief, the trip channels UK funds into reconstruction under Syria’s interim government by bolstering security cooperation in support of chemical weapons dismantling

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy talks during a meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos at the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia, Cyprus, July 4, 2025. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou/File Photo

Overview

  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy met President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Damascus to formally restore Britain’s diplomatic ties severed over a decade ago.
  • Britain pledged £94.5 million in humanitarian and development aid to support Syria’s recovery and relief efforts for neighbouring refugee-hosting countries.
  • Earlier this year, London lifted sanctions on Syrian ministries, media outlets and several businesses to facilitate economic reintegration.
  • The UK contributed $2.7 million to the OPCW to aid in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles.
  • The visit follows a US executive order by President Trump ending many American sanctions on Syria and opening the door to its removal from the state sponsors of terrorism list.