DAMASCUS, Syria — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to prioritize aid for Syrians during his first visit to the country as UN chief, nearly two years after the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime.
Guterres’ visit marks the first by a UN secretary-general to Damascus since 2009, underscoring the significance of the current political transition.
Following his arrival, Guterres met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, before touring Damascus’ historic old quarter and the iconic Umayyad Mosque, symbolizing cultural and diplomatic engagement.
The visit occurs as Syria grapples with recovery from a decade of civil war, which has claimed nearly half a million lives and left the nation requiring an estimated $216 billion in reconstruction efforts, per the World Bank.
“I have just arrived in Damascus for a visit of solidarity,” Guterres posted on X, reiterating the UN’s commitment to Syria. “We stand with Syria at this pivotal moment.” He also called for the international community to “spare no effort” to aid Syrians.
Since the fall of the Assad family’s five-decade rule in December 2024, Syria has faced challenges recovering from conflict and enduring sanctions. While the U.S. and Europe have eased many sanctions, their on-the-ground impact remains limited.
Reduced international aid has exacerbated poverty, with 90% of Syrians now living below the poverty line, according to UN estimates.
During his stay, Guterres plans to visit the UN peacekeeping force deployed along Syria’s border with Israel. Al-Sharaa, who assumed power after a military coup, has repeatedly denied seeking conflict with Israel, though Tel Aviv has remained wary of the new Islamist-led government.
Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military installations and conducted incursions into villages near the buffer zone, occasionally sparking clashes with local residents.
