Syria reopened its embassy in London on Thursday, marking its most significant diplomatic return to Europe after more than a decade. The move reflects Syria’s accelerating reintegration into the international arena following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani presided over the reopening during a visit to the United Kingdom that followed interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s landmark trip to Washington. Al-Sharaa’s visit was the first by a Syrian head of state to the United States since the country gained independence in 1946.
Speaking at Chatham House in London, al-Shibani described his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as “successful.” He said relations between the two countries were already advanced and that both sides aimed to deepen cooperation rather than start anew.
Al-Shibani praised Britain’s early engagement with the post-Assad government, noting its swift removal of sanctions and diplomatic recognition. He added that the United Kingdom had supported Syria at the U.N. Security Council and assisted with several complex international issues. Syria’s new leadership has earned broad backing from states that once shunned Assad for his violent response to the 2011 uprising.
However, concerns persist over the safety of religious minorities amid ongoing unrest in parts of the country. Recent clashes along the coast and in Sweida triggered sectarian reprisals, with Sunni gunmen killing hundreds of Alawite and Druze civilians.
Al-Shibani said around 100 people had been detained over their roles in the coastal violence and pledged accountability. He noted that the government was recruiting Alawites into local police forces as part of an effort to rebuild trust. He emphasised that crimes committed during the recent turmoil were unacceptable and would not be tolerated by the authorities.