Guterres to make first UN chief visit to Syria since 2011 war

Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., on April 28, 2025. – Reuters
Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., on April 28, 2025. – Reuters

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Syria on Saturday, becoming the first serving UN chief to travel to the country since the start of the nearly 14-year war, Reuters reported.

The visit marks a new step in Syria’s efforts to reestablish international ties following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the beginning of a transitional period. 

Guterres is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, government officials and representatives of civil society, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said July 21.

The UN chief will stress that Syria has an opportunity to recover from conflict and build a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future, Dujarric said.

Guterres is expected to remain in Damascus for several days, although his full schedule has not been released.

He is also expected to address Syria’s new parliament on July 27 and visit the UN peacekeeping force monitoring a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces, according to Dujarric.

The visit comes as the Syrian transitional government seeks to rebuild diplomatic and economic relations after years of isolation under Assad family rule.

By Jwan Shekaki