Syria’s Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shaibani, has begun an official visit to London, marking the gradual restoration of relations between Damascus and the United Kingdom after more than a decade of diplomatic rupture, SANA reported on November 13.

Upon his arrival in the British capital, al-Shaibani attended a symbolic flag-raising ceremony at the Syrian Embassy at Belgrave Square in London, in the presence of a large number of Syrian expatriates and refugees.

It is the first time the Syrian flag has flown above the building since 2011, when the UK closed the embassy and expelled Assad-era Syrian diplomats at the height of the conflict, which ultimately saw the former dictator flee to Moscow via the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December.

Al-Shaibani is scheduled to participate in a policy dialogue at Chatham House, the London-based think tank renowned for hosting high-level discussions on international affairs. 

He will also oversee the launch of the Syrian–British Business Council, a new platform intended to revive economic engagement and expand commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Although the UK has not yet formally announced the full restoration of diplomatic relations, London has gradually moved towards limited re-engagement with Damascus, echoing a wider regional trend. 

Several Arab states re-established ties with Syria in recent years, while European governments have begun exploring practical avenues for cooperation.

A British diplomatic source said the visit should be viewed as part of a “measured and pragmatic approach”, stressing that the government remains focused on “protecting UK security interests, addressing humanitarian needs, and supporting stability in the region”.

Another official familiar with the discussions noted that allowing the embassy to operate again demonstrates “a realistic recognition that some level of contact is necessary, particularly on migration, counter-terrorism, and consular matters”.

The visit to London follows the new regime’s leadership visit to Washington earlier in the week as well as first official meeting between Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The latest meeting between the two leaders builds on their initial talks in Riyadh in May 2025. In Washington, Al-Sharaa also met with the head and representatives of the IMF to discuss Syria’s economic transformation. He also held an extensive meeting with the Syrian diaspora, attended by al-Shaibani and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack.