SBC Engages with Syrian President al-Sharaa’s Historic Visit to the UK
Published by Syrian British Consortium · March 31 -April 1, 2026 · Media & News
The historic visit of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to London on 31 March 2026 marked a defining moment for UK–Syria relations — and members of the Syrian British Consortium (SBC) were engaged in it, attending the community gathering with President al-Sharaa, speaking to leading media outlets, and shaping the conversation about what comes next.
For the first time in decades, a Syrian head of state stood in London — meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street and sitting down with members of the Syrian diaspora community. SBC board members were present throughout, offering their voices to the press and to television audiences across the Arab world and beyond.
- SBC Community Moment:
SBC members were captured during the community meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa in London on 31 March — a meaningful moment for UK-Syrians and a symbol of the community’s place in shaping Syria’s future.
On the day of the visit, SBC board members spoke with a range of prominent Arabic and international news platforms, offering analysis and vision for what this landmark moment means for Syria, for the UK, and for the Syrian community here.
- The National:
Board member Abdulaziz Almashi was quoted by The National, describing the visit as the opening of a new chapter in UK–Syria relations. He underlined the importance of engaging the Syrian diaspora in reconstruction efforts and building avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries. Read the article
- Syria TV
Board member Anas Alaa Eddin appeared on Syria TV to share his assessment of the visit, covering its political dimensions and the prospects for economic exchange and security cooperation between Syria and the United Kingdom. Watch the Interview
- Al-Ikhbariya
Board member Abdulaziz Almashi appeared on Al-Ikhbariya Syrian channel, commenting on the evolution of Syria–U|K relations in the wake of the presidential visit and what it signals for diplomacy ahead.Watch the Interview
- Syria 24
Both board members – Abdulaziz Almashi and Anas Alaa Eddin – were featured together on Syria 24, each offering a distinct lens on the visit’s significance. Read on Syria 24
- Aawsat
Both board members – Dr Yasmine Nahlawi and Dr Haytham Alhamwi – contributed opinion pieces to Aawsat regarding the presidential visit, each offering thoughts regarding the visit’s significance and how it intersects with the aspirations of the Syrian community in the UK. Read on Aswat ِ
In Their Words
“A new chapter in relations between the two countries — the Syrian community in UK has spent years building civil society institutions and carries today a real vision for contributing to Syria’s reconstruction.” — Anas Alaa Eddin, SBC Board Member, speaking to Syria 24.
“This visit comes in the context of Damascus seeking to reopen channels of communication with the West, amid shifting international and regional dynamics.” — Abdulaziz Almashi, SBC Board Member, speaking to Syria 24.
The SBC will continue to engage with developments in UK–Syria relations and to advocate for the Syrian community’s meaningful role in shaping the road ahead — in reconstruction, in diplomacy, and in the ties that bind two nations with a shared stake in Syria’s future.
