For the first time since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa receives assurance of British cooperation

For the first time since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa receives assurance of British cooperation

London, July 5, 2025
The United Kingdom has formally reestablished diplomatic relations with Syria. On Saturday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus — marking the first visit by a British minister to Syria in 14 years.

This visit signals a major shift in UK foreign policy, coming eight months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

A British government statement said Lammy met with Syria’s new President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani. During the meeting, he expressed support for Syria’s political transition and pledged active UK participation in reconstruction efforts.

David Lammy said,

“As the first British minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I have seen firsthand how the Syrian people are rebuilding their lives and their country.”

“After more than a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope in Syria. The UK is reestablishing diplomatic relations because we want this new government to build a stable, secure, and prosperous future for Syria.”

He further stated that stability in Syria would reduce illegal migration, prevent the resurgence of ISIS, and strengthen regional security — all key objectives of the UK’s Plan for Change initiative.

During his meeting today in Damascus with President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani, Lammy welcomed Syria’s political progress and emphasized the importance of an inclusive and representative governance involving all stakeholders.

He said the UK stands ready to support the new Syrian government.

On the visit, Lammy announced a £2 million ($2.7 million) contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to assist in destroying chemical weapons stockpiles from the Assad era. Since Assad’s fall, the UK has provided more than £837,000 to support OPCW’s work in Syria.

The foreign secretary also met with Syrian Civil Defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, and women-led businesses benefiting from UK-funded economic recovery programs.

The UK has supported the White Helmets with over £5 million in the past two years.

Additionally, he unveiled an extra £94.5 million UK aid package aimed at urgent humanitarian assistance, education and livelihood support, and helping neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees.

Since 2011, the UK has contributed a total of £4.5 billion in aid to Syria and the surrounding region.

Following his visit to Damascus, Foreign Secretary Lammy will travel to Kuwait for discussions focused on regional security and trade.