Syria’s al-Sharaa visits London, discusses regional developments
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived on Tuesday in London, marking his first official visit to the United Kingdom since taking office in early 2025 and as Damascus seeks to reset international ties following years of isolation.
Al-Sharaa, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, was welcomed at British government headquarters and held meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street and discussed bilateral cooperation, economic partnerships, and regional developments.
Later in the day, the Syrian president also held a formal audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, a symbolic gesture underscoring the warming of relations between Damascus and London.
In talks with Starmer, officials addressed diplomatic coordination on regional security issues and reopened channels for political dialogue.
Downing Street briefed that both sides explored the economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and agreed to work on restoring navigation freedoms.
During a public engagement at Chatham House, al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s stance to remain outside the ongoing Iran-related conflict unless directly threatened, emphasizing a national commitment to stability and diplomatic solutions.
Syrian and British officials indicated that discussions also touched on future investment, reconstruction cooperation, and strengthening institutional contacts, reflecting gradual normalization that has accelerated since the reopening of Syria’s embassy in London in late 2025.