DAMASCUS: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to fully support Syria’s reconstruction and mobilize the resources needed to help its people rebuild after years of destruction, stressing that the country’s next phase must be led by Syrians themselves.
In an interview with the Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV channel during his visit to Damascus, Guterres said one of his main priorities was to encourage greater international engagement with Syria and rally support for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services.
“We have no agenda in Syria,” Guterres said. “Our role is to support progress that is led by Syrians.”
Guterres described his return to Syria as “a special moment,” saying he was encouraged by what he viewed as the country’s progress following liberation and emphasizing that his visit reflected UN solidarity with Syria.
He said rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and restoring education, healthcare and social services would require substantial international assistance beyond the Syrian government’s financial capacity.
