
UK Lifts Sanctions on Syria's Interior, Defense Ministries
The British government has lifted sanctions on Syria's interior and defense ministries marking the latest easing of sanctions following Assad's fall from power.
Syria's General Intelligence Directorate, Air Force Intelligence Agency and National Security Bureau were also emitted from the list of entities subject to financial sanctions by the U.K, according to Reuters.
Such sanctions were primarily due to the repression of civilian population or 'supporting or benefiting from the Syrian regime.'
In this regard, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa stated that lifting sanctions would prevent another civil war in Syria.
'Any chaos in Syria will damage not just neighboring countries but the whole world,' Al-Sharaa said.
Currently, the new Syrian government seeks to restore relations with Western and Arab countries and build new diplomatic relations to boost its stability and security. New Diplomatic Relations
In a remarkable milestone in the Syrian foreign policy, Syria and South Korea unfolded a new chapter of diplomatic relations on Thursday, according to Arab News.
A high-level delegation from South Korea has visited Syria and held several meetings with Senior officials in Syria.
The Korean delegation met with Syria's President Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in the Syrian capital.
During the visit, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Al-Shaibani signed an agreement with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, in Damascus to establish diplomatic ties between both countries.
According to the SANA Agency, the new agreement would unleash new horizons of cooperation between Syria and Korea, open embassies and exchange diplomatic missions between both countries.
Importantly, this cooperation seeks to restore Syria's international standing that has collapsed because of the policies of the former Assad regime.
'This development opens a new chapter of cooperation with Syria, whose bilateral relations with South Korea had been severed due to its close ties with North Korea,' South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Related Topics:
Syria Resumes Direct Flights with UAE
Syria's Al-Sharaa Strengthens Ties with UAE President at Abu Dhabi
Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Israeli Attack on Syria's Koya
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