United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the UN and Syria in support of the country’s political transition, reconstruction and recovery efforts. In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson’s office of the UN chief said Guterres welcomed the progress made in Syria’s political transition process. The UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the transition through the inclusive participation of all sides, saying the process should lead to the creation of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Syria for all its citizens. Guterres also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The UN chief arrived in Damascus on Saturday for talks with Syrian officials. It marks the first visit by a UN Secretary-General to Syria in 17 years.
