LONDON

The UK and Syria have taken a step towards closer bilateral relations after Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer visited Damascus for talks focused on security and accountability, according to a statement by the British government on Wednesday.

The trip follows Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit in July, which re-established UK-Syria diplomatic relations after 14 years.

Falconer met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Justice Minister Mazhar Abdul Rahman al-Wais to discuss progress on Syria’s political transition, including “next steps on security and accountability following the recent sectarian violence in southern Syria.”

While in Damascus, Falconer paid tribute to investigators from the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), who he said “helped gather evidence and expose Assad’s war crimes over many years.”

The minister described the visit as evidence of Britain’s “ongoing commitment to developing our partnership with Syria, helping to rebuild a safer and more prosperous country.”

“Delivering on the UK government’s Plan for Change, a strong UK-Syria relationship enables us to protect the UK’s national security and prevent irregular migration whilst supporting Syria’s transition to stability and accountability.

“The situation in Syria remains fragile. We will continue to support the Syrian government to deliver an inclusive political transition,” he said.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the visit reinforced the UK’s strategic approach to Syria as set out in its Plan for Change, which prioritizes secure borders and national security while backing Syria’s political transition.

According to the FCDO, engagement with Syria’s new government is centered on “delivering concrete outcomes that benefit both the Syrian people and UK security interests, including preventing irregular migration and ensuring terrorist groups cannot exploit instability.”