image sourced from original article at Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met King Charles the Third at Buckingham Palace and held talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his first official visit to London since taking power in 2024. The visit follows Britain’s decision to resume diplomatic relations with Syria in July 2025, marking a significant step in renewed engagement after years of strained ties.
During discussions at Downing Street, Sharaa and Starmer focused on the war with Iran and the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to prevent further global economic disruption. The two leaders agreed to work with international partners to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Starmer welcomed Syria’s recent action against the Islamic State group and noted progress on counterterrorism efforts, while urging closer cooperation on the return of illegal migrants, border security, and dismantling people smuggling networks. Britain has granted asylum to nearly 31,000 Syrians between 2011 and 2021 following the country’s civil war.
Sharaa’s visit comes amid ongoing sectarian violence in Syria and broader regional instability. Ahead of his London trip, he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin as part of efforts to strengthen European ties and shield Syria from the wider Middle East conflict.
