Guterres backs Syria’s recovery, calls for respect of sovereignty
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday expressed support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, calling on the international community to help the country rebuild after years of conflict.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, Guterres said Syrians had endured years of hardship while maintaining their resilience, creativity and sense of belonging.
“Syria is now in a phase of recovery and investment,” Guterres said, stressing that rebuilding a country emerging from a severe conflict cannot be achieved alone and requires international support.
He added that the United Nations looks forward to cooperating with Syria and the wider international community to support its future and prosperity. He also reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and said the UN stands for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, calling for an end to violations.
Al-Shaibani said that the talks focused on strengthening UN-Syria cooperation in reconstruction and supporting the country’s transition from humanitarian assistance toward sustainable development.
He indicated that 3.5 million Syrians had returned to the country, describing the returns as one of the world’s largest voluntary return movements. The minister called for the removal of restrictions and the creation of a legislative environment conducive to reconstruction.
The visit marks the first by a UN secretary-general to Syria since Ban Ki-moon visited Damascus in 2009 and Guterres’ first trip to the country since becoming UN chief in 2017. It comes as Damascus seeks greater international engagement following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.
The UN has said the visit aims to underscore support for Syria’s political transition and recovery while stressing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Guterres is also expected to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Golan.