UK Foreign Secretary: Post-Assad Syria Offers Hope After Years of War and Oppression
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a historic Syria visit, the first in 40 years, expressing hope for stability after years of conflict. He emphasized Syria’s importance to UK security, migration control, and called for inclusive reconstruction amid evolving diplomatic ties.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — David Lammy, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, emphasized the UK's renewed engagement in Syria during a historic diplomatic visit, the first by a British foreign secretary in four decades. In a statement published on X, Lammy expressed hope and solidarity with the Syrian people as they emerge from more than ten years of conflict.
"After over a decade of war and oppression, the Syrian people have hope again," Lammy wrote. His remarks underscore the UK's interest in fostering stability in Syria, not only for regional peace but also for the UK's own national security. "Syria matters to the UK. A stable Syria reduces the risk of illegal migration and terrorist threats to our national security," he stated.
Lammy's visit comes at a time of significant political change in Syria. He described his presence in the country as "very humbling," highlighting the importance of direct engagement. "It's very humbling to be here, the first foreign secretary in forty years to visit, to stand with the Syrian people as they rebuild this country," he wrote.
The foreign secretary referenced public celebrations by Syrians, noting, "Many Brits will have been moved to tears watching Syrians take to the streets to celebrate their freedom after the fall of Assad." His comments suggest a perceived shift in Syria's internal political dynamics, although no official UK recognition of regime change has been confirmed.
Emphasizing long-term cooperation, Lammy reiterated that Syria's stability is inextricably linked to Britain's internal security. "Syria matters hugely to the UK. It matters that it's stable because if it's not, the terrorism that can happen here washes up on our own streets back at home. And it matters also because of irregular migrations," he said.
Concluding his remarks, Lammy called for inclusive reconstruction efforts in Syria. "It's hugely important that we continue to support progress here. This is a country that is ancient, made up of many different people. The future has to be an inclusive one. It has to be a peaceful one, and I hope for prosperity for all of the Syrian people."
After over a decade of war and oppression, the Syrian people have hope again.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 6, 2025
Syria matters to the UK. A stable Syria reduces the risk of illegal migration and terrorist threats to our national security. pic.twitter.com/YnUfTLiMBo
David Lammy, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, made a historic visit to Damascus on July 5, 2025, marking the first time in 14 years a British foreign secretary has traveled to Syria. His visit, underscored by high-level meetings and public statements, signals a potential shift in the UK’s diplomatic approach toward Syria amid evolving regional dynamics.
Lammy met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA, for talks focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. The discussions were also attended by Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. During the meetings, both sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields and addressed shared concerns on regional and international issues. SANA described the talks as a rare diplomatic engagement between Damascus and a senior UK official, highlighting a possible recalibration of UK policy.
In a statement reported by AFP, Lammy said, “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.”
Earlier on the same day, Lammy held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister al-Shaibani. According to SANA, the diplomats reviewed the status of Syria–UK relations and discussed enhancing dialogue, economic cooperation, and collaboration on mutual interests.
The visit comes in the context of the UK’s long-standing critical stance toward the Syrian government since the outbreak of civil war in 2011. At that time, the UK was among the first nations to recognize opposition factions as legitimate representatives after President Bashar al-Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. Subsequently, Britain imposed sanctions, closed its embassy in Damascus, and participated in military strikes targeting Assad’s forces.
Recently, Syria has experienced gradual diplomatic re-engagement with Western and Arab countries after years of international isolation due to the conflict. Lammy’s visit signals cautious efforts to reopen dialogue, potentially linked to humanitarian coordination, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional security considerations.
Syria remains a pivotal geopolitical actor in the Middle East, with internal developments affecting regional stability, migration flows, and global counter-extremism efforts. The country continues to grapple with post-war reconstruction challenges, compounded by enduring economic sanctions. The international community increasingly calls for durable political solutions that respect Syria’s sovereignty while supporting its reintegration into the region and the global system.
Lammy’s visit thus reflects a nuanced recalibration in British foreign policy, balancing historic grievances with pragmatic engagement aimed at fostering stability and prosperity in Syria.
