The UK has acknowledged Syria's progress in dismantling the Assad regime's chemical weapons programme, including steps to identify and declare legacy munitions and materials. This progress led to the restoration of Syria's rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention by the OPCW Executive Council in July.
Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that the UK co-sponsored this decision, which reflects international confidence in Syria's renewed cooperation. The UK also welcomed the OPCW's announcement of the verified mechanical destruction of chemical munitions in Syria, the first since 2014.
The UK has contributed over $4.7 million to the OPCW Syria Trust Fund since December 2024 and committed nearly $9.5 million in additional bilateral funding for Syrian-led destruction efforts. The UK remains committed to working with Syria towards the complete and verified destruction of remaining Assad-era chemical weapons and the full implementation of its obligations.
The UK also stressed the importance of accountability for those responsible for the 2013 Ghouta attack, where over 1,400 people were killed by sarin nerve agent. The UK supports the OPCW's investigative mechanisms to identify and hold perpetrators accountable.