LONDON : The moment marks a major diplomatic shift following the restoration of relations between Damascus and the United Kingdom, and the recent removal of President Ahmad Al Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from international sanctions lists.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani on Thursday raised the national flag over the Syrian Embassy in London, symbolising the resumption of full diplomatic operations for the first time since its closure more than a decade ago. The reopening follows the easing of international restrictions, including decisions by London, Washington and the United Nations Security Council earlier this month to lift sanctions imposed on Syrian leadership.

In a statement posted on X, Al Shaibani noted that Syria is “returning to the world with its free identity” after years of isolation under the previous regime. The reopening aligns with Al Shaibani’s official visit to the United Kingdom, during which he is holding high-level discussions with senior British officials.

The talks aim to reinforce bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation after years of strained ties.

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