Britain sees ‘opportunity’ for Syria’s future after sanctions lifted: UK minister

The UK sees an “opportunity” for peace and prosperity in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the easing of sanctions, a senior British minister said on Friday, as Western governments step up engagement with the country’s new authorities, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, British Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said the United Kingdom acted early to lift sanctions on Syria, arguing that they were imposed in response to “the foul deeds of the Assad regime” and were never intended to “strangle the new Syria.”

Britain made “a number of decisions early on,” he said, adding that he is “glad” that those steps were taken and that other partners have followed suit.

Falconer said the UK has expanded contacts with Syria’s new leadership, including meetings with visiting Syrian officials in London. He said engagement has included discussions across ministries and efforts to support institutional rebuilding.

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“We have been pleased, too, to have engagements right across the range of the new Syrian ministries,” he said, adding that Syrian officials have shown “energy and interest” in learning from international partners.

“Britain sees an opportunity” for peace and prosperity in Syria, he said.

The minister also highlighted meetings with senior Syrian figures in the United Kingdom, including what he described as outreach involving the presidency and foreign ministry, as part of efforts to build practical cooperation.

Falconer said Syria faces “a complex set of domestic and, of course, regional issues” and stressed the importance of strengthening institutions, particularly those dealing with security challenges.

He said terrorism remains a continuing threat, adding that “the UK will be a friend to Syria in that regard” and indicating continued cooperation on counterterrorism and stability efforts.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted by Turkiye, brings together heads of state, ministers, and policymakers from around the world to discuss geopolitical, economic, and security challenges in an increasingly uncertain international landscape.

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