United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will travel to Syria later this week at the invitation of the Syrian government, where he is scheduled to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
The visit will be Guterres' first to Syria since taking office as UN Secretary-General.
During his stay, he is expected to reaffirm the United Nations' commitment to supporting the Syrian government and the Syrian people during what the organisation described as a pivotal period in the country's history.
Years of conflict
The Secretary-General will also stress the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
According to the UN, the visit will give Guterres an opportunity to see first-hand both the hopes and the challenges associated with Syria's political transition and reconstruction, as well as the impact of years of conflict.
He is also expected to hear directly from representatives of Syrian civil society, women's organisations and members of different communities.
During his visit, Guterres also plans to visit the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
Source: CNA
