First Official UK Delegation Visits Syria’s Kurdish Region After Assad’s Fall

First Official UK Delegation Visits Syria’s Kurdish Region After Assad’s Fall
First Official UK Delegation Visits Syria’s Kurdish Region After Assad’s Fall

By Kardo Roj

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – In a landmark visit, a British diplomatic delegation led by Special Envoy to Syria Ann Snow arrived in northeast Syria, marking the first official UK visit to the region since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The delegation met with Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s (AANES) Foreign Relations Department, to discuss Syria’s future, political inclusion, and the importance of dialogue among all Syrian factions.

During the high-level talks, both sides emphasized the urgency of fostering comprehensive dialogue to resolve Syria’s ongoing challenges. The discussions focused on the necessity of an inclusive political process, ensuring that all components of Syrian society have a voice in shaping the country’s post-war future.

Ilham Ahmed underscored the importance of avoiding marginalization, stating, “No Syrian component should be excluded from the decision-making process. A genuine partnership is crucial for rebuilding the country on stable foundations.”

The UK delegation acknowledged the strategic and political significance of northeast Syria, recognizing its role in shaping a transitional framework for the entire country. The British officials highlighted the need for Syria’s new leadership in Damascus to learn from the governance models and administrative experience developed in the Autonomous Administration-controlled regions.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, northeast Syria has emerged as a semi-autonomous region with its own governance structures. Under the leadership of AANES, the region has managed security, economy, and social services independently, gaining international recognition for its stability compared to other war-torn parts of the country.

The UK delegation’s visit signals growing international engagement with northeast Syria, particularly as discussions intensify over a potential political transition in Damascus. British officials stressed the need for “real and structured negotiations” that prioritize clear timelines and measurable steps for implementation.

The visit comes at a crucial time for Syria, as various international and regional powers reassess their roles in shaping the country’s post-conflict landscape. The UK’s diplomatic engagement with AANES could indicate broader Western interest in supporting decentralized governance models as part of Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

While Britain has historically maintained diplomatic engagement with opposition groups and humanitarian organizations in Syria, this visit represents a direct acknowledgment of the Autonomous Administration’s role in Syria’s future political order.

As Syria moves into an uncertain transitional period, international recognition and support for inclusive governance will be key to ensuring stability. The UK delegation’s discussions with northeast Syrian officials highlight the growing importance of local political structures in determining the country’s path forward.

Whether this visit marks the beginning of deeper Western involvement in northeast Syria remains to be seen, but it underscores the region’s increasing relevance in shaping the new Syrian political landscape.