A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare high-level visit to Syria on Thursday, marking the first engagement with Syrian authorities since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. According to Syrian state media SANA, this is the first visit of its kind since the Security Council was established in 1945.
The delegation, representing all Security Council member states, toured multiple sites in Damascus and held meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on building trust, fostering dialogue, and advancing Syria’s political transition.
Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent UN representative and president of the Security Council for December, said the visit aimed to strengthen engagement and trust between the UN and the Syrian authorities. The delegation addressed a wide range of issues, including justice and reconciliation, inclusive political processes, national dialogue, humanitarian needs, economic recovery, reconstruction, and counterterrorism measures. They also emphasized the importance of preventing Syria from posing a threat to other nations.
The delegation additionally met with UN representatives and communities affected by recent violence and coastal incidents in Sweida province. Zbogar described the discussions as both enlightening and difficult, providing a detailed perspective on Syria’s current situation.
The visit comes as Syria continues efforts to stabilize the country politically and socially following the upheaval last December. UNSC representatives highlighted the need for economic development and reconstruction as crucial elements for long-term stability. The delegation also visited the old city of Damascus and entered Syria via the Lebanese border to engage directly with local communities.
This high-level mission underscores the UN Security Council’s commitment to supporting Syria’s transition, addressing humanitarian challenges, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation in the post-Assad era.