Britain has a lot to offer in helping Syria tackle its challenges

It would be silly to pretend that Britain and Syria are about to become great allies. There is some bad history like Syria's readiness to allow insurgents to cross from its territory into Iraq. And there are continuing problems over Syria's support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

But despite those major differences of interest, I am sure that it is right for this country to engage seriously with Damascus. Efforts to isolate Syria have not worked. Syria is a significant regional power which, if she chooses to do so, can contribute to what I hope will, after the inauguration of President Obama, be a renewed drive to bring a durable and comprehensive peace. Without a deal with Syria over the Golan, Israel will not have that secure peace with her neighbours which she is entitled to enjoy.

The Syrian leadership, especially President Asad and Foreign Minister Muallem, are keen to engage with Britain. The Syrians also point out that France and Germany are streets ahead of us in terms of both economic and political engagement. The First Lady spoke to us about the challenges facing her country in trying to meet the expectations of a population 60 per cent of which is under the age of 30. Syria needs to modernise her economy, her education system and her public administration. Britain has a lot to offer in helping Syria to tackle these challenges.

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