UK reestablishes diplomatic ties with Syria as Lammy visits Damascus
Syria's new government took another step forward this weekend as it hosted UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus. He met with Syria's President Ahmed al-Shara'a and also with Syria's Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
Shaibani is Lammy's counterpart in Syria. This comes at an important time for Syria as the country has launched a new visual 'identity,' changing key symbols of the state. The country has also revitalized its airports and is working to do outreach to key figures in Lebanon.
Lammy is the latest important figure to visit Syria. Syria's state media noted that 'during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation were discussed, in addition to regional and international developments.'
The BBC noted that the UK is providing a support package for Syria to help with humanitarian aid and long-term recovery for the country.
'Lammy told the BBC the purpose of his meeting was to promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability with the new government,' the BBC noted.
"It's important that the UK leans in to ensure that the balance is tipped in the right direction, a balance towards accountability, transparency, inclusivity for all of the communities that make up this country, a prosperous one and a peaceful one,' Lammy said.
"I'm here to speak to this new government, to urge them to continue to be inclusive, to ensure that there's transparency and accountability in the way that they govern…But [also] to stand by the Syrian people and Syria as it makes this peaceful transition over the coming months."
At the same time, the grand mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, also 'affirmed that any positive developments in Syria would have a beneficial impact on Lebanon,' a report at Syrian state media said. Derian attended a meeting in Beirut with various local officials.
'If our beloved sister Syria is well, then we in Lebanon are well.' He added, 'We can only remain loyal to our people, our communities, and our surroundings.' This came as a delegation of Lebanon's religious group Dar al-Fatwa met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in Damascus.
'During the meeting, President al-Sharaa was awarded the gilded Dar al-Fatwa Medal by the Grand Mufti. Derian presented the medal in recognition of the president's Arab nationalist stances, his efforts, and his sacrifices in service of Syria,' SANA noted.
At the same time, Syrians are celebrating a new 'visual' identity. This includes changing key aspects of state symbols, such as the eagle and stars, and other symbols that form how Syria is presented in official documents. These are symbols many people take for granted on government seals or on passports.
Most people rarely consider the small details. However, Syria has been through a long trauma of the Assad regime and is now emerging as a new government with a new hope. Alongside that, there is a need to change all elements associated with the old regime. The new symbols are supposed to unite people and symbolize the unity of Syria's regions and groups.
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Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Prince Andrew Had 'Affair' With Ghislaine Maxwell: Book
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Email royals@ We'd love to hear from you. Related Articles Prince Harry Calls in Lawyers Over Prince Andrew-Meghan Fight StoryTrump Says Epstein Poached Accuser Virginia Giuffre from Mar-a-LagoWhat Jeffrey Epstein Client List Revelation Means for Prince AndrewPrince Andrew Accuser 'Bullied' at Time of Death, Friend Says 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Associated Press
In Ecuador, environmentalists worry Noboa is unwinding nation's green reputation
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Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Trump gushes about ‘HOTTEST' Sydney Sweeney ad campaign — and says Taylor Swift ‘NO LONGER HOT' thanks to him
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