Overview
- UN Secretary‑General António Guterres concluded a two‑day solidarity visit on Sunday, July 26, 2026, meeting interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani and representatives of Syrian civil society.
- At a Damascus press conference Guterres appealed for the immediate removal of sanctions imposed under the Assad era and asked the international community to “spare no effort” to support recovery and reconstruction.
- Guterres warned that violations of Syrian sovereignty must stop after Israeli forces reportedly carried out an incursion into southern Syria during his visit, and he said the UN will present a report to the Security Council at month’s end.
- The UN chief pledged practical support for Syria’s political transition, including help on transitional justice, a permanent constitution and free elections, and he visited the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan and Sednaya prison.
- Syria faces vast needs on the ground — millions displaced, deep poverty and a World Bank estimate of about $216 billion for reconstruction — and donors and investors remain cautious pending security guarantees and steps on inclusivity and accountability.