Damascus, Syria – The United Nations announced that Secretary-General António Guterres will travel to Syria following an official invitation from the Syrian government, marking his first visit to the country as UN chief and the first visit by a UN Secretary-General to Damascus since 2009. Guterres is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
High-Level Discussions and Community Engagement
According to the UN Spokesperson, the visit offers the Secretary-General an opportunity to witness firsthand the opportunities and challenges of Syria’s political transition and recovery process. During his meetings with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Guterres will discuss strengthening institutional cooperation between the United Nations and the Syrian government, alongside advancing diplomatic steps aimed at long-term regional stability.
In addition to state officials, Guterres is set to meet with representatives of Syrian civil society, women’s organizations, and diverse community leaders to discuss social cohesion, human rights, and sustainable peacebuilding efforts.
Supporting Political Transition and Inspecting UNDOF
The Secretary-General’s itinerary also includes an inspection visit to the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) deployed in the Golan region, highlighting the crucial importance of maintaining ceasefire agreements and respecting Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Through this landmark engagement, the UN seeks to mobilize global humanitarian aid, accelerate economic recovery, and support the Syrian population in building a resilient, stable future.
Guterres’ historic visit to Damascus marks a significant pivot in international engagement with Syria, signaling UN support for the country’s political transition and reinforcing efforts toward national sovereignty and economic revitalization.
