LONDON, July 5 (TNF): Britain announced on Saturday that it is restoring diplomatic ties with Syria. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus and pledged £94.5 million ($129 million) in aid.
“There is renewed hope for the Syrian people,” Lammy said. “It is in our interest to help the new government build a stable, secure, and prosperous future for all Syrians.”
This shift comes after insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, ending more than 13 years of civil war. Western nations have slowly changed their stance on Syria since then.
Lammy’s trip is the first by a British minister in 14 years. It follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, easing its return to the global financial system and aiding its recovery. Britain also relaxed sanctions in April by unfreezing assets of Syria’s central bank and 23 other entities, including banks and oil companies. Sanctions on members of Assad’s former regime remain in place.
Britain’s aid will deliver urgent humanitarian relief and support long-term recovery efforts. The funds will help develop sectors like education, according to a government statement.
Lammy said a stable Syria will curb irregular migration, ensure chemical weapons are destroyed, and help fight terrorism. He shared these views in meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
He stressed the need for an inclusive and representative political transition and reaffirmed Britain’s support for Syria’s future.
English