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Foreign ministers

Britain Restores Relations with Syria After 14-Year Tension

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the restoration of relations between the two countries after a 14-year period of tension. The meeting came as Syria has been improving its relations with Western countries following the fall of President Bashar Assad's government. The British government has announced a new funding package of 94.5 million pounds ($129 million) to assist Syria with humanitarian aid, education, and livelihoods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between Lammy and al-Sharaa marked the restoration of relations between Britain and Syria after 14 years of tension.
  • Syria has been improving its relations with Western countries following the fall of President Bashar Assad's government, including a visit to oil-rich regional countries and France in May.
  • The British government has announced a new funding package of 94.5 million pounds ($129 million) to assist Syria with humanitarian aid, education, and livelihoods.
  • The package includes urgent humanitarian aid to Syrians, support for Syria's longer-term recovery through education and livelihoods, and support for countries hosting Syrian refugees in the region.
  • Britain has lifted sanctions against a dozen Syrian entities, including government departments and media outlets, to help the country rebuild after Assad's ouster.
  • The UK had dropped sanctions against two dozen Syrian businesses, mostly banks and oil companies, in recent weeks.
  • US President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending many American economic sanctions on Syria, following through on a promise he made to al-Sharaa.
  • Syria's new leaders are struggling to rebuild the country's decimated economy and infrastructure after nearly 14 years of civil war that has killed half a million people.

Statistics:

  • 94.5 million pounds ($129 million) - The new funding package announced by the British government to assist Syria.
  • 14 years - Length of tension between Britain and Syria before the restoration of relations.
  • Half a million people - Number of people killed in the civil war in Syria.
  • 14-month - Length of the Israel-Hezbollah war that ended recently.
  • 10,000 - The number of Lebanese troops that Beirut plans to raise along the border with Israel.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (2023)
  • Statement issued by Britain's foreign office
  • Statement issued by Aoun's office
  • Reuters (May 2023)

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