Guterres Discusses Strengthening Cooperation with Kuwaiti Emir: I Urge the World to Stand with Syria at This Pivotal Moment

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus, marking the first visit by a UN Secretary-General since 2009. The Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported that the meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Syria and the United Nations in humanitarian and developmental fields, alongside supporting early recovery and reconstruction efforts, and reaffirming respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Guterres had previously affirmed via his X (formerly Twitter) account that the United Nations stands alongside Syria, writing: “I have just arrived in Damascus on a solidarity visit. My message is clear: The United Nations stands with Syria at this pivotal moment, and I urge the international community to do its utmost to support the Syrian people.”

In addition to his talks with President al-Sharaa and official meetings, the visit’s agenda included a tour of Old Damascus and the Umayyad Mosque, accompanied by Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Al-Ali. The itinerary also featured field visits and humanitarian, economic, and cultural activities, a visit to Saydnaya Prison, and meetings with families of victims and survivors of chemical attacks in Douma. Furthermore, Guterres held discussions with national investigation committees regarding events in Sweida and the Coast, as well as a visit to Quneitra and meetings with economic figures and the Speaker of the People’s Assembly.

Guterres held an expanded meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his accompanying delegation, attended by Ministers of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh, and Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat, along with Central Bank of Syria Governor Safwat Rusal. According to SANA, the meeting addressed prospects for enhancing cooperation between Syria and the UN, supporting early recovery efforts, and transitioning from the humanitarian response phase to sustainable development, in line with Syria’s priorities and efforts to strengthen its stability.

Guterres called for an end to “violations” in the Golan Heights, which is occupied by Israel, and for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. During a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister, he stated that “violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must stop,” adding that “what is happening in the area surrounding the Golan Heights is absolutely unacceptable.”

For his part, al-Shibani demanded an “immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal” from areas advanced into by Israeli forces in the buffer zone since late 2024.