UK Restores Ties With Post-Assad Syrian Government

Britain has reestablished diplomatic relations with Syria, marking the first UK ministerial visit to Damascus in 14 years, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad eight months ago. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, pledging £94.5 million in humanitarian and reconstruction aid. The renewed UK-Syria engagement aims to support Syria’s economic recovery, promote an inclusive political transition, and ensure the destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons. British officials stated the move would help regional and UK security by reducing irregular migration and countering terrorism. The diplomatic shift is part of a wider Western reassessment, with eased sanctions and increased cooperation on chemical weapons destruction. Lammy emphasized that a stable Syria is in both Syrian and British interests.