UK's Lammy meets Syria's acting president to discuss cooperation amid regime shakeup
Photo: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (Getty Images)
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met in Damascus with Syria's Acting President Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss expanding cooperation between the two countries, informs The Times of Israel.
According to al-Sharaa's office, Lammy and the Syrian leader discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation, and the latest regional and international developments.
Later, the British Foreign Secretary also met with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shibani.
The report notes that Syria has been improving its ties with the West following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. The change in power came after an offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is affiliated with the al-Sharaa faction.
Sanctions lifted
Back in April, the British government lifted sanctions on about a dozen Syrian entities, including government departments and media outlets. The move was aimed at helping Syria recover after Assad's ouster.
Additionally, several weeks ago, London lifted sanctions on approximately twenty Syrian companies, primarily banks and oil firms.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump also signed an executive order lifting many of Washington's economic sanctions against Syria. The decision fulfilled a promise he had made to the al-Sharaa faction.
The Times of Israel added that Syria's new leadership is working to rebuild the country's shattered economy after nearly 14 years of civil war, which claimed the lives of about 500,000 people.
In recent months, al-Sharaa has visited oil-rich nations in the region as well as France.
