British officials and the foreign office of the Autonomous Administration discuss an ISIS-free and pluralistic Syria

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, a British delegation visited the Foreign Relations Commission of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) in Hasakah. The delegation included Ms. Niamh Connolly, Political Officer at the UK’s Syria Office, and Ms. Charlotte Dixon, Acting Consul General at the British Consulate in Arbil, responsible for North and East Syria.

The delegation was received by Rubel Bahho, the Co-Deputy of the Foreign Relations Commission, Khaled Ibrahim, member of the Administrative Body, Rojhat Ali, Advisor to the Simalka Border Crossing Administration, and Lana Hussein, representative of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).

The discussions addressed the general situation in Syria, particularly in North and East Syria, and the ongoing negotiations with Damascus to establish a pluralistic, decentralized Syria. The talks also covered mechanisms for integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces and other DAARNES institutions into the Syrian government framework, as well as the issue of radical terrorist factions, such as ISIS.

The British delegation underscored the importance of regional and international support to bolster Syria during this critical phase, particularly in light of the severe humanitarian challenges in North and East Syria. These challenges are further exacerbated by the enduring threat posed by ISIS to non-Sunni population groups in Syria, Iraq, and the wider region, as well as by continued violations against civilian populations. The United Kingdom, as a member of the International Coalition against ISIS, reiterated its steadfast commitment to countering this threat and preventing any resurgence of the group. Moreover, the UK delegation reaffirmed its ongoing support through humanitarian initiatives aimed at safeguarding civilians, improving conditions in displacement camps, strengthening community resilience, and addressing urgent humanitarian needs on the ground.