António Guterres Visits Syria to Support National Recovery

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, concluded a three-day official visit to Damascus on July 27, 2026. The trip marked the first time a UN secretary-general has visited Syria since 2009. During the mission, Guterres met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss expanding cooperation on early recovery, infrastructure reconstruction, and the safe, voluntary return of refugees.

Guterres reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, specifically stating that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory. His itinerary included tours of the Umayyad Mosque and Sednayah Prison, as well as a scheduled visit to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force positions in the Golan Heights. Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani used the visit to call for an end to Israeli violations of Syrian territory and compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

At a press conference on July 26, Guterres urged the international community to provide increased political, economic, and humanitarian support for Syria's reconstruction. He stated that the Syrian people should not bear the burden of recovery alone after years of hardship. Guterres described the current transitional phase as a significant opportunity to build a country based on dignity, equality, and peace, while acknowledging that the road ahead would be difficult.