Guterres Begins First Syria Visit as UN Chief in Damascus

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived at Damascus International Airport on Saturday, beginning his first visit to Syria since taking the UN post in 2017. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received Guterres and his delegation at the airport. The UN schedule says he is expected to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa, al-Shaibani and other senior officials during the visit, which runs through Monday. The trip follows years of war and Syria's political transition, with the UN saying Guterres will reaffirm support for the Syrian government and people at a defining period in the country's history.