Damascus, July 25 (SANA) Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres pledged to deepen cooperation between Syria and the United Nations during talks in Damascus on Saturday, with reconstruction, recovery and Syria’s sovereignty dominating discussions.
The two officials spoke at a joint press conference at Tishreen Palace following an expanded meeting attended by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh, Central Bank Governor Safwan Raslan and Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ibrahim Olabi.
Al-Shaibani described Guterres’ visit—the first by a U.N. secretary-general to Syria in 17 years—as a milestone that signaled Syria’s transition into “an active partner of the United Nations.”
“This is the first visit by a U.N. secretary-general to Syria in 17 years, and its extensive program carries profound implications that go beyond protocol,” he said.
The foreign minister said the talks focused on strengthening cooperation with the United Nations to support reconstruction and the country’s transition from humanitarian relief to sustainable development.
He said 3.5 million Syrians have returned to the country, describing it as one of the world’s largest voluntary return movements, and added that the government’s priority is rebuilding the country through legislative reforms while calling for the removal of all remaining restrictions that hinder reconstruction.
Al-Shaibani also said Syria had established a strategic model for peace by consolidating the state’s monopoly on the use of force and stressed that Israeli violations of Syrian territory pose a direct threat to regional security.
He said Syria hopes to play an active role within the United Nations and called on the international community and the European Union to support the country’s recovery, adding that Syrians now have an opportunity to participate in rebuilding their nation.
For his part, Guterres praised the resilience of the Syrian people after years of war and said the country had entered “a phase of both recovery and investment.”
“Syria is creating opportunities for everyone and laying the foundations for a better future for all Syrians,” Guterres said, adding that achieving that vision requires leadership, foresight and confidence so that every Syrian can see themselves as part of the country’s future.
He stressed that no country emerging from a devastating conflict can rebuild alone and said the international community must support Syria’s recovery efforts.
“The United Nations looks forward to cooperating with Syria in all areas and with the international community to support its future and prosperity,” Guterres said.
The U.N. chief also reaffirmed the organization’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, describing the Golan as Syrian territory and calling for an end to all violations.
F.J./M.Z.
