Britain had severed relations in 2011, recognising opposition groups and joining sanctions against Assad’s regime. The UK also participated in air strikes on Syrian targets during the conflict
By Afolabi Ayodele
Britain has restored full diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a major foreign policy shift more than a decade after cutting ties following the country’s descent into civil war.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision on Saturday during a visit to Damascus, where he met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December.
Britain had severed relations in 2011, recognising opposition groups and joining sanctions against Assad’s regime. The UK also participated in air strikes on Syrian targets during the conflict.
Speaking in Damascus, Lammy said, “The UK is reestablishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.”
Lammy’s meeting with Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
He added that a stable Syria would help reduce irregular migration to the UK, eliminate chemical weapons, and combat terrorism.
The UK Foreign Office stated that Assad’s ouster provided an opportunity to dismantle his chemical weapons programme. London pledged an additional $2.7 million to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ work in Syria.
Syria has seen increased international engagement since Islamist-led forces overthrew Assad. In recent months, the UK has lifted sanctions on Syria’s defence and interior ministries, state media outlets, intelligence agencies, and key sectors like finance and energy.
The US has also lifted some sanctions and is reportedly planning to delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Damascus recently completed its first international bank transfer in over a decade, signalling reintegration into the global economy.
Britain has committed an extra $129 million for humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and support for countries hosting Syrian refugees.
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