In the first visit by a UK minister to Syria in 14 years, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has formally re-established diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Syria. The visit, which took place on Saturday 5th July, follows the fall of the Assad regime in December and marks a new chapter in bilateral relations aimed at supporting Syria’s reconstruction and long-term stability.
The UK government has committed to assisting the new Syrian administration in rebuilding its economy, advancing an inclusive political transition, and ensuring accountability for victims of the Assad regime. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary held meetings with President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani to reaffirm the UK’s support for a peaceful and representative transition process, as well as to promote regional and global security.
As part of this renewed engagement, the UK announced an additional £94.5 million package to support urgent humanitarian needs, livelihoods, and education inside Syria and in neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees. A further £2 million will be directed to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support the safe and irreversible destruction of chemical weapons from the Assad era. The Foreign Secretary also met Syrian Civil Defence volunteers (White Helmets), underlining the UK’s ongoing backing of their lifesaving work, which includes search and rescue, emergency medical care, and the safe removal of unexploded ordnance.
Read the official press release here.