For the first time since 2009, UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Syria
For the first time since 2009, UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Syria. When war subsides but its aftermath remains — ruined cities, lost years and millions of people returning in hope of starting anew — the presence of the UN chief becomes not just a diplomatic gesture but a symbol that the world has not forgotten Syria. After 16 years, Guterres set foot on the soil of Damascus to remind the international community that rebuilding the country requires not only money but also political will, the lifting of sanctions and recognition that Syrians deserve the right to a peaceful life.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Syria on Saturday, pledging continued UN support for the country's recovery and reconstruction. This was the first visit by a UN chief to Damascus since 2009. Speaking at a joint press conference with Syria's foreign minister, Asaad al Shaibani, Guterres said the Syrian people had endured years of suffering but had not lost their resilience, ingenuity and sense of belonging. He said no country emerging from a severe conflict can recover on its own and called on the international community to assist Syria. He also reaffirmed the UN's position that the occupied Golan Heights are Syrian territory and called for an end to all violations of Syria's sovereignty.
Al Shaibani, for his part, described the visit as reflecting a new phase in Syria's relations with the UN. Reconstruction is now the priority, and this requires the lifting of all remaining restrictions, he said, adding that Syria is working to move from humanitarian aid to sustainable development. He also noted that 3.5 million Syrians had returned to the country. Earlier, Guterres held talks with Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al Sharaa.
The last UN Secretary General to visit Syria was Ban Ki moon in 2009. Guterres's current visit comes amid a gradual stabilisation of the situation in the country after more than a decade of civil war. The issue of the return of Syrian refugees and the lifting of economic sanctions remains one of the key items on the international agenda.
As CCTV+ reports. The UN chief's visit is expected to give new impetus to efforts to rebuild Syria and attract international aid for its reconstruction.
