UK resets relations with Syria, pledges support

DAMASCUS — Syria and the United Kingdom renewed diplomatic relations on Saturday, marked by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Damascus, according to official statements released by both sides.

During the visit, Lammy extended a formal invitation to Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shaibani to visit London, Syria's foreign affairs authorities said in a statement.

The two sides reached an agreement to work on reopening the Syrian embassy in London and to establish a Syrian-British economic council, the statement said.