UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Syria later this week to demonstrate support for the country’s ongoing political transition.
The United Nations said the visit would mark the first trip to Syria by a UN secretary-general since 2009.
Deputy UN special envoy to Syria Claudio Cordone announced the visit during a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
Guterres will meet Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa, who took office after Bashar al Assad’s regime fell in December 2024.
Additionally, the UN chief will meet civil society representatives and organisations working on women’s issues.
Cordone said Guterres would reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Syrian government and its people during a crucial period.
UN chief to visit Golan Heights peacekeepers
Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres would visit UN peacekeepers stationed in a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
The peacekeeping force has operated in the area since 1974 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
Guterres’ visit comes as Syria continues efforts to navigate its political transition following the end of Assad’s rule.
The UN has sought to support stability and political dialogue while encouraging greater international cooperation with Syria’s new authorities.
Meanwhile, a UN Security Council delegation visited Syria in December.
However, Guterres will become the first UN secretary-general to visit the country since Ban Ki-moon travelled there in 2009.
