The UK government has committed today to play a leading role in
Syria's post-Assad recovery. Millions of Syrians are set to
benefit from lifesaving aid from the UK and international
partners, supporting them to rebuild their lives and stabilise
the country following the fall of the brutal Assad regime late
last year.
Minister for the Middle East, , will today pledge up to
£160 million of UK funding - delivered by trusted UN and NGO
partners on the ground - to help provide Syrians with critical
water, food, healthcare and education in 2025 at the Annual Syria
Pledging Conference, hosted by the EU in Brussels.
Ensuring stability in Syria and the wider region is critical for
UK national security, which is the foundation of the government's
Plan for Change.
In his speech at the conference, which will be attended by
members of the international community and the Syrian interim
authorities, the Minister will urge the Syrian authorities to
ensure the recent violence witnessed in Syria never happens
again, reiterating the importance of a properly representative
and inclusive political transition.
Minister for the Middle East, said:
A stable Syria is vital for ensuring our security at home and
abroad, which is critical for delivering our Plan for Change.
Today's pledge of up to £160m underlines our commitment to
helping Syrians stabilise and rebuild their country, as well as
provide lifesaving aid for Syrians hosted generously in partner
countries.
This is a critical moment for Syria. The violence in coastal
areas earlier this month was horrific. The interim authorities
must demonstrate their intent to promote stability, protect
minorities and govern in the interests of all Syrians. We welcome
the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and
the interim authorities as an important step in this direction.
At the conference, the Minister will welcome last week's
ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the
interim authorities, as well as the authorities' commitment to
destroy Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.
Notes to Editors:
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The UK's pledge covers support to Syria and the wider region
for 2025.
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Today's visit follows the recent
decision to lift asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities.
These entities were previously used by the Assad regime to
fund the oppression of the Syrian people, including the
Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and energy
companies. This reaffirms UK support to the Syrian people in
re-building their country and promote security and stability.
