Damascus, July 24 (SANA)U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres’ upcoming visit to Syria carries political and humanitarian significance, coming as the country advances institutional reforms and strengthens its regional and international engagement after liberation.

The visit, Guterres’ first to Syria since taking office in 2017 and the first by a U.N. secretary-general since Ban Ki-moon’s trip in 2009, reflects growing international engagement with Damascus and a broader shift from crisis management toward supporting recovery and reconstruction.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres will reaffirm the organization’s support for the Syrian government and people while stressing Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Addressing theU.N. Security Councilearlier this week, Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, described the visit as “far more than a protocol event,” saying Syria is returning to the international stage “as a success story.” Council members also reaffirmed their support for Syria’s sovereignty and efforts to restore stability and rebuild state institutions.

Since Syria’s liberation on Dec. 8, 2024, Guterres has repeatedly pledged U.N. support for institution-building, stability, refugee returns and reconstruction.

The visit will also include meetings with civil society representatives and a tour of areas affected by years of war, underscoring the U.N.’s growing focus on recovery. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 1.7 million refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to Syria since December 2024.

Guterres is also scheduled to visit the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Syrian Golan, reaffirming the U.N.’s support for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and reiterating the organization’s call for Israel to end its attacks and withdraw from areas it occupies in southern Syria.

The visit comes as Syria continues implementing key institutional reforms, including the formation of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the launch of the People’s Assembly and progress on transitional justice, developments the United Nations has described as important steps toward long-term stability and state-building.F.J./ABD