JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Calling Syria “today a pillar of Middle East stability”, the UN chief said the country “stand up whenever possible” and urges the international community to seize this opportunity to help rebuild a country that has emerged from more than a decade of conflict.
Speaking to journalists alongside Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani, Guterres described his visit as “very meaningful”, rooted in decades of engagement with the Syrian people as former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and later as Secretary-General.
“For many years, long before becoming Secretary General, I worked closely with Syrians,” he said, recalling communities that hosted refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as Syrian families who were later forced to flee their own country.
“I met young Syrians whose hopes are simple and universal: to study, work, contribute and live in peace.”
Those experiences, he said, have stayed with him and help explain why it is important for him to be in Damascus now.
“It is true, I made a conscious decision not to come to Syria from the beginning of the brutal oppression of the Syrian people in 2011 until the fall of the regime.”
The opportunity to build a new future
The UN Secretary General said Syrians had experienced “hardship, loss and uncertainty” for years, but they had never lost the resilience, talent and creativity that characterized their country.
“Right now, Syria is at a moment of possibility.
“The opportunity now exists not only to recover from the conflict, but to lay the foundations for a more stable, more inclusive and more prosperous future for all Syrians.”
He stressed that rebuilding the country requires leadership and trust, while ensuring that all Syrians see themselves reflected in their country’s future.
“Most importantly, this requires every Syrian to look to the future of their country.
“And it is the Syrian people who must determine their path forward and shape the institutions that will serve future generations.”
A ‘moment for partnership and solidarity’
The UN chief warned that no country emerging from more than a decade of conflict can rebuild itself and called for stronger international engagement.
“This is a moment that requires the international community to support Syria with determination and foresight,” he said.
“Syria’s recovery is a humanitarian imperative – and also an investment in regional development, peace and stability.”
He said the international community must help create conditions for economic recovery, restore critical services and infrastructure, expand livelihoods and employment opportunities, and support the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced people.
“International financial institutions and development partners also have an important role to play in helping Syria reconnect with regional and global economic opportunities.”
“This is a moment for partnership and solidarity.”
Emphasizing the UN’s role, he said the organization was ready to accompany Syria through its transition.
“We stand ready to support your political transition, including your efforts to ensure transitional justice, draft a permanent constitution, and hold free and fair elections.”
“We don’t have a UN agenda for Syria. Our agenda is the agenda of the Syrian government and the Syrian people.”
Sovereignty and territorial integrity
Guterres also reaffirmed UN support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
“We underscore the importance of fully respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”
“Violations against Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must stop.”
Referring to developments around the Golan Heights, he added: “What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is completely unacceptable.”
“I want to remind the international community that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory.”
The Secretary-General said the UN would continue to work with the Syrian people and its international partners to support “a future defined by peace, dignity and opportunity for the Syrian people themselves.”
Pressed about Israel’s actions in Syria
Answering questions from journalists, the UN Secretary General reiterated his call to end violations of Syria’s territorial integrity and said the international community needed to take a more active role.
“We consider that the current situation is intolerable and that it must stop,” he said, noting that UN personnel on the ground were working to mitigate the impact of ongoing development.
While acknowledging the existence of divisions within the UN Security Councilhe vowed to continue advocating on the issue, and emphasized that “what belongs to Syria belongs to Syria and cannot be taken over.”
The visit continues
The visit marks the UN Secretary General’s first trip to Syria since the fall of the previous regime. During her visit, she is expected to meet with President Ahmed al‑Sharaa and other senior officials, as well as meet with women’s groups, civil society representatives and members of diverse communities.
On Monday, Guterres is scheduled to address the People’s Assembly of the new Syrian Arab Republic before continuing on to Cyprus.
