United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Damascus on Saturday, marking the first trip by a sitting UN chief to Syria since 2009. The visit comes nearly two years after Syrian rebels ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, ending more than a decade of civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.
Guterres met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, where the two discussed the urgent need for international support in rebuilding the country. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani during a joint press conference, Guterres emphasized that "no country emerges from a very severe conflict and rebuilds itself on its own," and stressed the importance of aiding Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Shaibani reiterated Syria’s call for greater assistance from the international community, particularly the European Union, and outlined the government’s plan to close displacement camps.
Al-Sharaa, who before taking office was the head of an Islamist alliance that helped depose Assad’s regime, has sought to re-establish Syria’s diplomatic relations beyond longtime allies Russia and Iran. Since assuming power, his government has faced challenges including sectarian violence but has maintained commitments to protecting religious minorities. His administration’s efforts have included participation in the UN General Assembly last year, a first for a Syrian president since 1967.
The transition to al-Sharaa’s leadership has been met with cautious responses internationally. Notably, the United States recently lifted most sanctions on Syria, and President Donald Trump signaled his intention to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Meanwhile, Guterres’ visit takes place amid ongoing regional tensions, including recent bombings in Damascus and Israeli military activity in southern Syria.
During the press conference, Guterres called for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, specifically condemning Israeli presence and actions in the Golan Heights. He described such violations as “unacceptable” and urged their cessation. The United Nations peacekeeping force that maintains the buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces remains active, and Guterres is expected to visit this mission during his stay.
The Secretary-General’s agenda in Syria also includes meetings with other government officials and representatives of civil society, with a planned address to the Syrian parliament. His office has said the visit aims to express solidarity at a pivotal moment for Syria’s recovery and transition following years of conflict and isolation. The full details of Guterres’ schedule have not been disclosed, but the trip signifies a renewed international engagement with Syria in the post-Assad era.