(MENAFN) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met on Tuesday with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Damascus to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and promote regional security, according to reports from state sources.

The discussions were held in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Service Director Hussein al-Salama. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening mutual ties and reviewed ongoing regional and global developments.

Al-Sharaa expressed Syria’s willingness to engage with any “genuine initiative that supports the region’s security and stability, provided it respects Syria’s sovereignty and independent national decision-making.”

No details were provided regarding the length of Powell’s visit.

This meeting comes just a month after UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy traveled to Damascus—marking the first official British visit to Syria in several years.

On July 5, the UK Foreign Office announced it was reestablishing diplomatic relations with Syria after a 14-year suspension.

Earlier in April, the British government removed sanctions on 12 Syrian organizations, including the ministries of defense and interior. Officials described the move as an effort to assist Syrians in rebuilding the nation and economy following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad administration.

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