!['The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government' in Syria, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy says [File: Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters]](https://www.qatar-tribune.com/watanqatartribune/uploads/images/2025/07/06/286981.jpg)
dpa
Damascus
Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa received British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus on Friday, marking the first visit by a senior British official to Syria since diplomatic ties were severed more than a decade ago.
According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The discussions also touched on regional and international developments.
In a separate session, Foreign Minister Al Shibani held an extended meeting with Lammy to discuss enhancing political dialogue and cooperation across various areas of mutual interest.
Lammy discussed discuss bilateral cooperation, political transition, and regional security and emphasized UK support for Syria’s reconstruction, inclusive governance, and justice for victims of the former regime, according to a statement issued by the British Foreign Office.
Britain also announced new funding, including £2 million ($2.7 million) to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in eliminating remaining chemical weapons in Syria.
London also pledged £94.5 million in humanitarian and development aid to support Syrian livelihoods, education, and countries hosting Syrian refugees.
Lammy also met with Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets) teams and women-led businesses supported by UK aid programs.
A stable Syria is in the UK’s national interest, he said, citing priorities such as counterterrorism, curbing irregular migration, and dismantling remnants of chemical weapons programme dating back to the era under long-time ruler Bashar Al Assad who was overthrown in December.
Britian suspended its diplomatic relations with Syria in mid-2012 following the escalation of anti-government protests and civil unrest. Lammy’s visit signals a potential shift in Western engagement with Damascus as regional dynamics evolve.
