Britain has officially renewed diplomatic ties with Syria, signaling a major shift in its Middle East policy. The restoration was marked by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy&rsquo;s visit to Damascus, where both sides agreed to re-open the Syrian embassy in London and set up a bilateral economic council.
Lammy extended an invitation to Syria&rsquo;s foreign affairs chief, Asaad al-Shibani, to visit London, highlighting Britain&rsquo;s intent to support Syria&rsquo;s rebuilding efforts. The visit also included a meeting with Syria&rsquo;s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
As part of the renewed engagement, the UK announced a &euro;94.5 million ($111.3 million) aid package aimed at providing humanitarian support, boosting education and livelihoods, and assisting neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The UK will focus its assistance on reviving Syria&rsquo;s agriculture and education sectors, while also addressing issues such as regional security, terrorism, and irregular migration. Britain sees a stable Syria as crucial to reducing refugee flows and strengthening regional peace.
This diplomatic thaw follows recent developments, including the US lifting certain sanctions on Syria and the UK easing economic restrictions earlier this year. The UK had previously unfrozen assets belonging to Syria&rsquo;s central bank and key sectors, although sanctions targeting former regime officials remain in place.
Lammy emphasized that the re-engagement aims to support an inclusive political transition and eliminate threats like chemical weapons and terrorism from the region.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Britain Restores Diplomatic Ties with Syria, Offers Aid

UK resumes relations with Syria, pledges €94.5M for aid, education, and refugee support.

Britain Restores Diplomatic Ties with Syria, Offers Aid

UK resumes relations with Syria, pledges €94.5M for aid, education, and refugee support.

July 6, 2025 | 15:55 IST