On Saturday, Britain announced it was reestablishing diplomatic relations with Syria as Foreign Minister David Lammy visited the capital, Damascus, and pledged £94.5 million ($129 million) in support.
“There is renewed hope for the Syrian people,” Lammy said in a statement. “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.”
Western countries have slowly begun resetting their approach to Syria after Islamist insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Bashar al-Assad as president in December, ending more than 13 years of war.
David Lammy made the first visit by a British minister to Syria in 14 years, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending a sanctions program on Syria. The move lifted Syria’s isolation from the international financial system and aimed to support its post-war reconstruction.
In April, Britain eased its sanctions on Syria by unfreezing the assets of the country’s central bank and 23 other entities, including banks and oil companies, to encourage investment. However, it maintained sanctions targeting members of the former regime.
The government announced on Saturday that the financial support package will deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Syria and contribute to the country’s long-term recovery by investing in areas such as education.
After meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and President Ahmed al-Sharaa, David Lammy said that stabilizing Syria will help reduce the risk of irregular migration, ensure the destruction of chemical weapons, and address the threat of terrorism.
During the meetings, David Lammy emphasized the need for an “inclusive and representative political transition” in Syria and pledged Britain’s continued support, according to the statement.
Lammy will also travel to Kuwait, where he will focus on regional security and strengthening bilateral ties. Lammy plans to announce a new partnership with the Gulf monarchy to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
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