LONDON 

Britain's Finance Ministry said Thursday it lifted sanctions against Syrian ministries and intelligence agencies.

In an update on the sanctions, the ministry said the defense and interior ministries, General Intelligence Directorate, Air Force Intelligence Agency and Political Security Directorate are no longer subject to an asset freeze.

Sanctions have also been lifted against the Syrian National Security Bureau, Military Intelligence Directorate, Army Supply Bureau, General Organization of Radio and TV, Al Watan, Cham Press TV, and Sama TV, according to the update.

"The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and economy, and a stable Syria is in the UK’s national interest. That’s why I’m pleased that today the UK has amended its Syria sanctions and lifted sanctions on 12 entities to support them to do just that," said Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East.

"The UK is committed to building greater stability in Syria and the wider region. This also enables us to bolster national security at home to support the government’s Plan for Change," he added.

This announcement builds on the decision in March to lift asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines and energy companies.

The UK also said that it continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Syrians inside Syria and across the region, including pledging £160 million ($213 million) to support recovery and stability in 2025.

Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long rule that began in 1963.

A transitional administration was formed in late January, dissolving the Constitution, security services armed factions, parliament and the Baath Party.