**Guterres Makes Historic Visit to Syria as UN Chief**
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday, marking the first visit by a sitting United Nations chief to Syria since 2009. This visit comes in the wake of a devastating civil war that has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions of Syrians.
Upon his arrival, Guterres described the visit as one of "solidarity" and emphasized the United Nations' commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this crucial time. He urged the international community to "spare no effort" in providing assistance to those affected by the long-standing conflict.
Guterres was received by Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa at the presidential palace, as reported by the state news agency SANA. Sharaa, who previously led al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, had been under U.N. Security Council terrorism-related sanctions until November 2025. His government is currently navigating the complex landscape of rebuilding Syria’s international relationships and economy after nearly 14 years of war and isolation under the Assad regime.
The visit is seen as a significant milestone for Syria, particularly following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, which ended the civil war that began in 2011. Guterres had previously characterized the end of Assad's rule as a hopeful sign for the region. His current visit comes at a time when the country is transitioning towards a new Islamist-led leadership.
During his stay, Guterres is expected to meet with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, other government officials, and representatives from Syrian civil society. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric indicated that Guterres aims to highlight the opportunity for Syria to not only recover from conflict but also to establish a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all its citizens.
The Secretary-General's visit follows recent security incidents in Damascus, including two bomb explosions near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. This underscores the ongoing challenges in the region as Sharaa's government works to rebuild its international ties.
Despite the transition in leadership, Syria continues to face significant sectarian violence. Guterres has expressed concern over recent episodes of violence that have targeted religious minorities, including the deaths of nearly 1,500 Alawites last year and attacks on the Druze community. He has called for accountability regarding these incidents.
Sharaa's administration is actively seeking to expand Syria's diplomatic relations beyond its traditional allies, Russia and Iran. Notably, Sharaa became the first Syrian president since 1967 to participate in the U.N. General Assembly in New York last year. Furthermore, recent actions by the United States have lifted many of the stringent sanctions previously imposed on Syria, with President Donald Trump indicating plans to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Guterres is scheduled to address Syria’s new parliament on Monday and will also visit a U.N. peacekeeping force that has maintained a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces for decades. The ongoing Israeli occupation of certain areas in southern Syria remains a contentious issue, with Damascus demanding a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
As Guterres embarks on this pivotal visit, the international community watches closely, hopeful that it may pave the way for a more stable future for Syria and its people.