New York, July 21 (SANA)TheUN Secretary-Generalwill travel to Syria later this week at the invitation of the Government of Syria, with plans to meet withPresident Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and other officials as well as with representatives of civil society, women’s organizations and diverse communities.

“The visit will offer the Secretary-General an opportunity to witness both the hopes and the challenges of the political transition and recovery as well as the impact of enduring years of conflict,” the UN Spokesperson said Tuesday.

This will beAntónio Guterres’ first visit to Syria as the UN chief.

While in Syria, Mr. Guterres also plans to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and underscore the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.