UK Reestablishes Ties With Post-Assad Syria

Britain has officially re-established diplomatic relations with Syria, marking the first UK ministerial visit to Damascus in 14 years, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad eight months ago and the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy pledged £94.5 million ($129 million) in aid for humanitarian relief, education, and support for neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees. The UK also announced new funding to help dismantle Assad-era chemical weapons, stressing the importance of a stable Syria for regional security, counterterrorism, and reduced irregular migration. Britain’s move follows similar US actions, including the recent lifting of major sanctions on Syria, and the UK has eased some of its own sanctions to encourage investment. Lammy emphasized the need for an inclusive political transition and justice for Assad regime victims. Both nations signaled renewed cooperation and the potential for greater prosperity as part of a broader Western reset toward Syria.