Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has received UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus, marking the first visit by a senior United Kingdom official to Syria since diplomatic ties were severed more than a decade ago.
According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen co-operation between the two countries.
The discussions also touched on regional and international developments.
European countries have been slowly resetting their approach to Syria since insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Bashar al-Assad as president in December following more than 13 years of war.
In a separate session, Foreign Minister al-Shibani held an extended meeting with Lammy to discuss enhancing political dialogue and co-operation across various areas of mutual interest.
Lammy discussed discuss bilateral co-operation, political transition and regional security and emphasised UK support for Syria's reconstruction, inclusive governance and justice for victims of the former regime, according to a statement issued by the UK Foreign Office.
The UK also announced new funding, including £2 million ($A4.2 million) to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in eliminating any remaining chemical weapons in Syria.
The UK also pledged £94.5 million in humanitarian and development aid to support Syrian livelihoods, education and countries hosting Syrian refugees.
Lammy also met with Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets) teams and women-led businesses supported by UK aid programs.
A stable Syria is in the UK's interest, he said.
The UK suspended its diplomatic relations with Syria in mid-2012 following the escalation of anti-government protests and civil unrest.
with Reuters