After a 14-year rupture… Britain restores diplomatic relations with Syria
The British government announced today the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria, during Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first visit in 14 years.
The British government said that Foreign Secretary David Lammy made an official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, where he held talks with officials from the transitional government in Syria.
The head of the Syrian transitional government, Ahmad al-Sharaa, received the UK Foreign Secretary in Damascus today, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad al-Shaibani. The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation, in addition to regional and international developments, according to an agency affiliated with the transitional government
During the visit, Lammy affirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to “supporting” the transitional government in Syria in fulfilling its international obligations, particularly in the humanitarian and security fields, according to Western media. An official statement explained that this visit comes within the framework of a “new diplomatic approach” aimed at strengthening communication with regional parties to support stability in Syria and support efforts for a political solution under UN auspices.
This move represents a significant shift in British policy towards Syria, which has witnessed a diplomatic rift since the outbreak of the conflict in 2011.
