Guterres arrives in Damascus, first UN chief visit since 2009
UN urges support for Syria's reconstruction as 3.5 million people are said to have returned to the country.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday (25/7), becoming the first UN chief to visit Syria since 2009, before the civil war broke out in 2011. At a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Guterres pledged that the UN would help Syria's recovery and rebuilding. He said no country emerging from a severe conflict can rebuild alone. Guterres also met Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. According to al-Shaibani, the talks focused on increasing UN support for reconstruction and the government's plan to close refugee camps. Guterres said 3.5 million Syrians have returned as the new government works to restore the country's international ties and economy.