First ministerial-level visit from the UK to Damascus in 14 years

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus. Secretary Lammy was received by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara at the People's Palace. During the meeting, regional and international developments were discussed, as well as ways to improve bilateral relations and cooperation. In a post on social media, UK Foreign Secretary Lammy stated, "I welcomed the progress made (in Syria) and emphasized the need for an inclusive and representative political transition. The UK is ready to support the new Syrian government."

A statement from the UK Foreign Office noted that this is the first visit by a British minister to Syria in 14 years. It was reported that the UK has re-established diplomatic relations with Syria. It was announced that the UK will provide 94.5 million pounds in aid for recovery, education, and humanitarian assistance, and 2 million pounds for the destruction of chemical weapons.

Meanwhile, in April, the UK government lifted sanctions on several Syrian entities, including government departments and media organizations, to help rebuild the country following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, and weeks ago, it removed 24 Syrian companies, mostly banks and oil firms, from its sanctions list.

Syria's new administration is attempting to rebuild the country's collapsed economy and infrastructure following a civil war that lasted nearly 14 years and resulted in the deaths of half a million people.