The British government announced Saturday that it has decided to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a major shift in its foreign policy and the first official visit to Damascus by a UK foreign secretary in 14 years.

 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited the Syrian capital to reaffirm Britain’s support for the Syrian government in fulfilling its commitments, the government said in a statement.

 

During the visit, the UK also announced an additional aid package worth £94.5 million to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Syrians.