United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made his first trip to Syria since 2009 on Saturday, visiting Damascus to reaffirm the UN’s commitment to helping the country rebuild and recover, while emphasizing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During the visit, Guterres sat down with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace, with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and other top officials also in attendance. The discussions centered on deepening cooperation between Syria and the United Nations, advancing early recovery and reconstruction initiatives, bolstering humanitarian assistance, and establishing the right conditions for Syrian refugees to return home voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.
At a joint press conference alongside al-Shaibani, Guterres made clear that the United Nations would remain a steadfast partner to the Syrian people through the country’s ongoing transitional period. He noted that recovering from more than a decade of conflict would demand wide-ranging international support and meaningful collaboration among the Syrian government, the global community, and UN agencies.
The UN chief also took the opportunity to restate the organization’s position on Syrian territory, affirming that the Golan Heights are recognized as Syrian land under UN Security Council resolutions. He urged adherence to international law and called for an end to actions that violate Syrian territorial boundaries.
On the matter of displaced Syrians, Guterres emphasized that any refugee return must be carried out voluntarily and under conditions that are both safe and dignified, with access to services, jobs, and a stable environment that allows for lasting reintegration. He said the UN would press forward with humanitarian and development programs, placing special emphasis on early recovery work and restoring critical infrastructure and public services.
Al-Shaibani, speaking at the same press conference, characterized the visit as a significant moment in the relationship between Damascus and the United Nations, saying Syria is eager to broaden its partnership with the organization across reconstruction, development, and humanitarian response.
The Syrian foreign minister also urged the international community to push for an end to what he described as Israeli violations and to ensure compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, while reaffirming Syria’s position that all of its territories must be restored.
Outside of formal meetings, Guterres visited the Umayyad Mosque in the Old City of Damascus and toured Sednayah Prison, where he was briefed on the facility’s history during the years of conflict. He also held discussions with civil society representatives and humanitarian workers about what Syria needs most in the coming phase and how the UN can best support those efforts.
The secretary-general is also expected to visit positions held by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights to assess the mission’s operations and the current security conditions in the region.
The visit comes at a time when Damascus is actively seeking greater engagement with the international community, and the United Nations is reiterating its dedication to supporting Syria’s recovery, humanitarian needs, and cooperation with the country’s transitional leadership.
