Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Visits London, Meets King Charles and Starmer

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa made a historic first visit to the United Kingdom.

“Ahmed al-Charaa has managed to establish relations with Western governments and has undertaken several trips abroad, notably to the United States, France, and Germany”

Euronews

Al-Sharaa met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and was received by King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Euronews

This came less than 15 months after Britain had placed a $10 million bounty on him as a terrorist.

Starmer praised Syria's progress against ISIS and emphasized plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The two leaders also discussed migration cooperation.

The Grayzone highlighted the paradox of Britain's warm welcome after offering a bounty just 15 months prior.

The Arab Weekly noted Starmer welcomed Syria's action against ISIS.

Geo News

Al-Sharaa told Chatham House Syria would stay out of the US-Israeli war unless targeted.

Despite the fanfare, sectarian tensions and violence persisted in Syria.

Migration emerged as a central issue in the talks.

“President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Charaa, was received at Buckingham Palace by King Charles III”

Histoires Royales

Between 2011 and 2021, nearly 31,000 Syrians were granted asylum in the UK.

Al-Sharaa thanked London for assistance in pushing for sanctions to be lifted.

They agreed to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The BBC acknowledged only months ago this would have been unthinkable.