United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres set foot in the capital Damascus after 17 years to underscore international support for Syria. Guterres landed at Damascus International Airport on Saturday morning at the invitation of the Syrian government, where he was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
This visit is the first by a UN Secretary-General to Syria since Ban Ki-moon traveled there in 2009.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that during his Damascus program, Guterres would meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister al-Shaibani, and other government officials. In addition to the meetings, the Secretary-General will also meet with civil society representatives, women's organizations, and figures from various segments of society.
Dujarric emphasized that the visit aims to reaffirm the UN's support for the Syrian government and people at the current stage. He also highlighted the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
As part of his engagements in Syria, Guterres is also scheduled to visit troops of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stationed in the buffer zone near the occupied Golan Heights.
Maria Nica / Editor