UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday during a landmark visit to the country, according to Syrian state broadcaster Alikhbariah TV.
The meeting took place at the People’s Palace shortly after Guterres arrived in the Syrian capital for a three-day visit. He was received at Damascus International Airport by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
No further details of the discussions were immediately released.
The visit marks the first trip by a UN secretary-general to Damascus since Ban Ki-moon visited the Syrian capital in 2009.
Following his arrival, Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for Syria as it navigates a critical period.
“The UN stands with Syria at this pivotal moment, and I appeal to the international community to spare no effort to support the people of Syria as well,” he said.