United Kingdom Restores Diplomatic Relations with Syria

The United Kingdom has re-established diplomatic ties with Syria for the first time since 2012, following years of conflict in the country. The announcement was made by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during his visit to Damascus on Saturday.

Lammy stated that the decision to renew diplomatic relations reflects a commitment to supporting Syria’s new government in its efforts to promote stability and prosperity for its citizens. “There is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The United Kingdom is restoring diplomatic relations because it is in our interest to support the new government as it works to build a stable, safer, and more prosperous future for all Syrians,” Lammy said.

During his visit, Lammy held talks with Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed leadership after the previous government led by Bashar al-Assad ended in December last year. The resumption of diplomatic engagement marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to Syria, which had seen its embassy closed and official contacts suspended amid the outbreak of civil war in 2011. The move comes as part of broader international efforts to support reconstruction and reconciliation in Syria following years of conflict.