We welcome the recent announcement on the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces into central government structures: UK statement at the UN Security Council

President, after decades of conflict and turmoil, Syria has an opportunity to move towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.

The United Kingdom welcomes Secretary-General Guterres' successful visit to Damascus.

This was a milestone in Syria's political recovery and in the deepening relationship between the Government of Syria and the United Nations.

We hope that cooperation will continue to strengthen, including through the timely relocation of the Special Envoy's Office to Damascus.

We also welcome the recent announcement of the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces into central government structures.

This is an important step towards a peaceful, stable, and unified Syria.

The United Kingdom fully supports Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and we stand ready to support the Government as it continues to strengthen its institutions.

Progress within Syria must be matched across the region.

We therefore welcome the direct Israel-Syria talks held earlier this week in Jordan.

They are a positive step towards long-term peace.

We encourage both sides to continue dialogue to strengthen the security of each country and the wider region.

Further strikes, such as those in Idlib last week, risk undermining Syria's hard-won progress at this pivotal moment.

President, last week marked thirteen years since the horrific Ghouta attack.

More than 1,400 people were killed when the Assad regime used sarin nerve agent against its own citizens.

Today, we remember the victims and their families.

The United Kingdom remains unwavering in its opposition to the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances.

Their use represents a grave violation of international law and one of the darkest chapters of the Syrian conflict.

We welcome the steps the Government of Syria has taken towards closing this chapter.

We continue to support Syria's recovery through the Breath of Freedom Taskforce and the Government of Syria's constructive partnership with the OPCW.

We also welcome the United States' decision to remove Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

This is another important step on Syria's path towards prosperity and stability.

President, despite this progress, challenges remain.

More than 15 million people require humanitarian assistance.

More than 7 million are acutely food insecure.

Ongoing sectarian tensions, alongside wider regional instability and violence, risk destabilising hard-won peace.

The task for the international community is clear.

We must work with and in support of the Government of Syria to protect and build on this progress.

With sustained support, Syria can move beyond the dangers and divisions of its past and towards a more stable and peaceful future.