Key Points
- The two leaders explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation
- UK eases sanctions on Syria
DAMASCUS: Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday received British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus and discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international developments.
Interim President Sharaa received Lammy alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, according to the Syrian presidency.
The talks addressed “bilateral ties… and ways of strengthening cooperation, as well as regional and international developments”, Sharaa’s office said in a statement.
The Syrian foreign ministry issued a similar statement following a separate meeting between Lammy and Shaibani.
“After over a decade of conflict there is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is reestablishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians,” Lammy said.
He said a stable Syria would reduce the risk of irregular migration, prevent the resurgence of Daesh and enhance regional security — all key priorities under the government’s so-called Plan for Change.
Today in Damascus I met with President Al-Sharaa and FM @AsaadHShaibani. I welcomed progress made and stressed the need for an inclusive and representative political transition.
The UK stands ready to support the new Syrian Government. pic.twitter.com/uKGDwIcJdT
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 5, 2025
During his visit, the minister announced a £2 million ($2.7 million) contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to help eliminate Assad-era chemical weapons stockpiles. Since Assad’s fall, the UK has provided more than £837,000 to support the OPCW’s work in Syria.
In May, Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra held a meeting with an official British delegation.
This followed a series of moves by the UK government to ease sanctions on Syria. In April, the UK announced the removal of sanctions previously imposed on Syria’s interior and defence ministries under President Bashar al-Assad.
The UK also lifted restrictions on several media organisations, intelligence agencies, and key economic sectors, including financial services and energy production.
Just a month earlier, sanctions had been lifted on 24 entities, including Syria’s central bank.
Syria’s new authorities have welcomed the moves, which came as they seek to rebuild the country and reboot its moribund economy, both ravaged by the conflict and crippling sanctions.
