The UK Special Envoy for Syria, Ann Snow, led a high-level delegation to Northern and Eastern Syria on 25 February, where she met with representatives of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (AAANES). Discussions focused on the evolving political landscape in Syria, the role of northeast Syria in shaping a sustainable solution, and the challenges the region continues to face.
Ilham Ahmed and Fanar Al-Kait, Co-Chairs of the AAANES External Relations Department, hosted the meeting, which was attended by officials from both sides. During the talks, the representatives stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and dialogue between the various Syrian factions in order to achieve a long-term political solution.
The meeting also highlighted the important role of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in providing governance, security and services in areas under its control. The UK delegation acknowledged the challenges that Northern and Eastern Syria has faced over the years, including the fight against ISIS, political instability and humanitarian crises, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting dialogue that ensures stability in the region.
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One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the mutual recognition of the need for an inclusive political process representing all communities in Syria. The AANES representatives stressed that no group should be marginalised in the efforts to create a stable and unified Syria.
Ilham Ahmed said that the experience and governance structures developed in northern and eastern Syria could serve as a valuable model for broader national reconciliation and governance. She stressed that the Damascus government should engage in meaningful dialogue with all Syrian groups to create an inclusive framework for the country’s future.
Both parties agreed on the need to establish a structured negotiation process, with clearly defined priorities and timelines, to work towards resolving outstanding political issues. They reiterated that achieving a lasting peace would require constructive dialogue among all Syrian stakeholders, as well as continued international engagement.
Discussions also touched on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in light of the continued threat posed by ISIS remnants and instability in Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have played a crucial role in the fight against ISIS, and international cooperation remains essential to prevent the resurgence of extremist groups in the region.
I was pleased to welcome the British envoy for Syria, @UKSyriaRep Ann Snow.
We discussed several issues related to the future of Syria and the fight against terrorism. We reaffirmed the importance of our cooperation to ensure security and stability in the region.
We look forward… pic.twitter.com/37AblA2oCi— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) February 26, 2025
Following the meeting, SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi took to his personal X account to express his support for continued cooperation with the UK. “I was pleased to receive the British Special Envoy for Syria, Ann Snow. We discussed several issues related to the future of Syria and the fight against terrorism. We reaffirmed the importance of our cooperation to ensure security and stability in the region. We look forward to continuing our dialogue to reach a just and sustainable political solution,” Abdi wrote.
Syrian Kurdish Foreign Head @ElhamAhmadSDC welcomed UK Special Representative for #Syria @UKSyriaRep Ann Snow today. According to informed sources both sides discussed the importance of the role of N&E Syria in the future of the country & confirmed that all Syrian peoples and the… pic.twitter.com/vTrxJbFTpK
— Mutlu Civiroglu (@mutludc) February 26, 2025
The meeting was also covered by veteran journalist Mutlu Civiroglu, who noted that both sides confirmed the importance of the role of northern and eastern Syria in shaping Syria’s future. Civiroglu highlighted that AANES officials and the UK delegation agreed that all Syrian communities, including those under the control of the Damascus administration, should benefit from the experience and governance structures developed in Northeastern Syria.
