UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday for a three-day visit, marking the first trip by a UN leader to Syria since the country's civil war started over a decade ago. Guterres is expected to reaffirm the United Nations' support for Syria's efforts to rebuild after years of conflict.
The visit comes as Syria continues to face challenges from the destructive war, which began in 2011 and has caused widespread damage and displacement. The UN has been involved in humanitarian aid and political efforts to resolve the crisis. Guterres's trip signals ongoing international attention on the country's recovery process.
During his stay, the secretary-general is scheduled to meet with officials and discuss ways to assist Syria's reconstruction. The last UN secretary-general to visit Syria was Ban Ki-moon before the conflict escalated. The war has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced, though the exact numbers are disputed. The UN chief's visit aims to highlight the need for continued support for the Syrian people.