LONDON, July 5 – The United Kingdom has officially reestablished diplomatic relations with Syria after more than a decade of strained ties caused by the country’s brutal civil war. This historic move was marked by Foreign Minister David Lammy’s visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus — the first visit by a British minister in over 14 years.
Lammy’s visit symbolizes a new chapter in UK-Syria relations, aimed at fostering stability and rebuilding diplomatic trust following years of war, humanitarian crisis, and political turmoil. During his visit, Lammy pledged £94.5 million (approximately $129 million USD) in support to aid Syria’s recovery and long-term development.
“There’s a new sense of hope emerging for the people of Syria,” said David Lammy during a press briefing held alongside Syrian officials in Damascus. “Supporting the new administration as it works toward creating a safer, more stable, and prosperous nation is clearly in our mutual interest.”
This development comes after years of international isolation for Syria, which had been governed by Bashar al-Assad as President until his ouster in December by Islamist-led insurgents. Assad’s removal and the emergence of a new leadership created an opening for the global community to reassess their stance toward Syria. The UK’s decision to resume diplomatic relations is among the most prominent signs of this shifting approach.
Lammy’s trip follows recent moves by other Western powers to reengage with Syria diplomatically and economically. Just days ago, the President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating longstanding sanctions on Syria. The order lifted restrictions that had effectively locked Syria out of the global financial system, a step seen by many as a catalyst for the country’s post-war reconstruction efforts.
Earlier this year in April, the UK also began to loosen its own sanctions regime on Syria. The British government unfroze the assets of the Syrian central bank and 23 other entities, including key banking and energy sector organizations. While targeted sanctions on individuals from the former regime remain in place, the easing of broader restrictions was intended to stimulate foreign investment and rebuild vital infrastructure.
Lammy’s financial pledge includes both immediate humanitarian aid and investments in long-term development initiatives. The British Foreign Office said the funds would go toward rebuilding essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean water infrastructure, while also strengthening civil society institutions and local governance.
In a series of high-level meetings in Damascus, Lammy met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and President Ahmed al-Sharaa. These discussions focused on ensuring a peaceful and inclusive political transition in Syria. According to the UK government, Lammy emphasized the need for representative governance and offered Britain’s continued assistance in helping Syria rebuild and maintain peace.
Lammy told reporters that ensuring stability in Syria is crucial not only for the surrounding region but for the security of the wider world. “Stability reduces the risk of irregular migration, ensures that chemical weapons are properly eliminated, and helps in the fight against international terrorism.”
Lammy’s visit also signals a broader British strategic interest in the Middle East and North Africa region. After his engagements in Syria, he is scheduled to travel to Kuwait, where he will meet with Kuwaiti officials to discuss regional security and deepening bilateral relations. A major focus of that leg of his trip will be on coordinating humanitarian aid, particularly in response to the worsening crisis in Sudan. The UK is expected to announce a new joint humanitarian initiative with the Gulf state aimed at providing emergency support and long-term assistance to the Sudanese population affected by ongoing conflict and displacement.
The reestablishment of diplomatic ties with Syria has drawn mixed reactions internationally. While some nations have welcomed the move as a necessary step toward rebuilding a war-torn nation, others remain cautious, citing concerns about lingering extremist elements and the fragile nature of the new Syrian leadership.
Despite these concerns, British officials insist that engagement is a more effective path forward than continued isolation. The government maintains that diplomatic presence and cooperation will offer better leverage in supporting democratic governance, protecting human rights, and ensuring that the country does not descend once again into conflict.
This renewed engagement also comes amid growing debates in the UK over foreign policy priorities and the country’s role in international peacekeeping. Critics have previously accused Western powers of turning a blind eye to Syria’s suffering, while others warned that early re-engagement without proper safeguards could risk legitimizing problematic elements within the new regime.
Nonetheless, Lammy’s Damascus visit is a strong indication that the UK believes the time has come to reset its relationship with Syria. With significant financial backing and diplomatic support now committed, London hopes to play a central role in shaping a peaceful and productive future for Syria and its people.