UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric revealed that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit the Syrian capital Damascus in response to an official invitation received by the international organization from the Syrian government.
Dujarric confirmed in press statements quoted by the UN News Center that this is Guterres' first visit to Syria since he assumed his position as secretary-general of the organization, describing the current stage as a decisive stage in the country's history.
The UN sources revealed the agenda of the visit, as the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet during his stay in Damascus with President Ahmed al-Shara, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, in addition to a number of Syrian officials to discuss various files.
The UN spokesperson explained that Guterres will renew the UN's full commitment to support the Syrian government and people, while directly stressing the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Agenda and outreach to civil society
The UN spokesperson pointed out that the scope of the meetings scheduled to be held during the visit has expanded to include representatives of civil society and women's organizations, in addition to personalities representing various segments of Syrian society.
Dujarric stressed that through these meetings, the Secretary-General seeks to be closely informed of the developments and challenges related to the wheel of recovery, in light of international efforts to keep pace with the new political phase that the country is witnessing.
According to the statements issued by the international organization, Guterres intends to inspect the site of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) operating in the occupied Syrian Golan, in order to see the progress of tasks related to maintaining the ceasefire.
The UN News Center said that these field movements come within the framework of the follow-up of UN missions and their role in promoting stability in the border areas.
Objectives of the visit and support for the reconstruction process
The UN sources confirmed that the visit comes at a time when the international organization is focusing on supporting the stability of the country and strengthening efforts aimed at addressing the effects and repercussions caused by the long years of war.
The talks will highlight ways to advance economic and social recovery and reconstruction in the various affected sectors, the organization's sources revealed.
The sources explained that the organization seeks to strengthen the humanitarian and development response in coordination with government agencies in Damascus during the next phase.
The UN mission said that the Secretary-General's visit reflects the keenness of the international community to provide the necessary support to Syria to face the current challenges and achieve sustainable stability.