UN Chief Arrives in Syria, First since Before Civil War

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Syria on Saturday, marking the first visit by a UN chief to the country since the outbreak of its civil war. State media reported his arrival for a three-day trip aimed at reaffirming support for Syria's transition.

The visit comes more than a year and a half after President Ahmed al-Sharaa's new authorities overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received Guterres at Damascus international airport. Guterres is the first UN chief to visit Syria since Ban Ki-moon in 2009, two years before the conflict erupted, which resulted in over half a million deaths before Assad's overthrow in December 2024.

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will emphasize that the opportunity now is not only to recover from conflict, but also to lay the foundations for a future for Syria that will be more stable, more inclusive and more prosperous for all Syrians

Since Sharaa assumed power, the international community has urged the new leadership to build strong institutions and establish an inclusive governance system. Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the UN chief would emphasize the opportunity to build a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Syrians. He also reiterated the UN's role in supporting the Syrian people on this journey.

UN special envoy to Syria, Claudio Cordone, described Guterres' visit as a "defining period in Syria's history." Guterres is scheduled to meet with President Sharaa, who previously addressed the UN General Assembly, a rare occurrence for a Syrian president in decades. The UN chief will also engage with Syrian civil society and NGOs focused on women's issues, and address the new transitional parliament. Additionally, he plans to visit a UN peacekeeping force stationed in the Golan Heights since 1974.

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will reaffirm the United Nations commitment to supporting the Syrian government and the Syrian people at this defining period in Syria's history