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Foreign ministers

UK Re-Establishes Diplomatic Relations with Syria Following Assad Regime Collapse

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK has re-established diplomatic relations with Syria after a 14-year hiatus, following the collapse of the Assad regime. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus to renew the UK and Syria's diplomatic relationship and to commit to supporting the new Syrian government in rebuilding the country's economy and delivering an inclusive political transition. The visit marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to Syria, with the country prioritizing its own security and stability by strengthening diplomatic partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has re-established diplomatic relations with Syria after a 14-year hiatus, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Damascus to renew the relationship.
  • The UK has committed to supporting the new Syrian government in rebuilding the country's economy, delivering an inclusive political transition, and forging a path to justice for the victims of the Assad regime.
  • The UK has provided new funding to assist with the removal of Assad-era chemical weapons and to provide urgent humanitarian assistance in Syria.
  • The visit marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to Syria, with the country prioritizing its own security and stability by strengthening diplomatic partnerships.
  • The UK has also committed an additional £2 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support their work addressing the legacy of Assad's chemical weapons in Syria.
  • The UK's support for Syria includes funding for women-led businesses, humanitarian aid, and support for Syria's longer-term recovery through education and livelihoods.
  • The Foreign Secretary will travel to Kuwait to strengthen regional security and boost bilateral relations, and will announce a new partnership with Kuwait to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
  • The UK's support for Sudan will provide nutrition support and restore clean drinking water supplies, as well as fund lifesaving work in Somalia.

Statistics:

  • £94.5 million: the additional funding package announced by the UK government to support Syria's longer-term recovery through education, livelihoods, and humanitarian aid.
  • £2 million: the additional funding committed by the UK to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support their work addressing the legacy of Assad's chemical weapons in Syria.
  • 14 years: the length of time since the UK last had diplomatic relations with Syria.
  • £2 million (this financial year): the UK's commitment to the OPCW to support their operational requirements in Syria.
  • Over a decade: the length of conflict experienced by Syria.

Sources:

  • Government of the United Kingdom, news release, 2023 (no date available)
  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy, quote
  • Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  • United Kingdom Government's Plan for Change

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