Guterres begins first UN Secretary-General visit to Syria in 17 years
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday began an official visit to Syria, the first by a UN secretary-general in 17 years, with a program that includes official meetings, field visits and humanitarian and economic engagements.
Guterres’ schedule includes visits to Damascus’ Old City, Saydnaya Prison and Douma, where he is set to meet families of victims and survivors of chemical attacks.
He is also expected to hold discussions with national investigation committees examining the events in Suwayda and Syria’s coastal region, visit Quneitra and meet business representatives and the speaker of Syria’s People’s Assembly.
Earlier on Saturday, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shibani welcomed Guterres and the accompanying delegation upon their arrival at Damascus International Airport.
Al-Shibani and Guterres are scheduled to hold a joint press conference in Damascus, where they are expected to discuss political and humanitarian priorities for future cooperation between Syria and the United Nations, including efforts to promote stability, strengthen the rule of law and support development and recovery.