UN Secretary-General Guterres to visit Syria for first time since 2009

U.N. Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres will travel to Damascus later this week at the invitation of the Syrian government, marking the first visit by a U.N. chief since Ban Ki‑moon’s trip in 2009. The agenda includes meetings with President Ahmad al‑Sharah, Foreign Minister Asad al‑Shibani and other officials, as well as consultations with civil‑society representatives, women’s organisations and NGOs.

Guterres is also scheduled to inspect the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stationed in the Golan‑Heights buffer zone. U.N. Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordoni told the Security Council that the visit aims to reaffirm U.N. support for the Syrian government and people, stress respect for Syria’s sovereignty and discuss the political transition, institutional reforms and broader inclusion of all societal components, particularly women.

Cordoni highlighted humanitarian needs, noting that about 15.6 million Syrians still require assistance, while recent judicial actions against alleged war‑crimes were cited as progress toward accountability. He expressed concern over ongoing Israeli incursions in southern Syria, which continue to affect civilian movement and security.