Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to improve UK relations with Syria. [14254]

Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: We have full diplomatic relations with Syria and a wide ranging relationship covering areas of mutual interest-such as the Middle East Peace Process-as well as other issues of concern to the UK including Human Rights and Counter Proliferation.

In July I visited Damascus and had a number of useful meetings with Ministers of State, Syrian business leaders and the British Council in Damascus, where we discussed areas of mutual cooperation.

We will continue to work to build our relationship and to take forward discussions on these issues.