United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called for the immediate removal of all remaining sanctions on Syria, urging the international community to support the country's economic recovery and reconstruction as it seeks to rebuild after more than 13 years of conflict.

Concluding a two-day visit to Syria, Guterres said easing sanctions was an important first step but stressed that all restrictions should now be lifted to allow the country to recover.

"I welcome steps that have eased sanctions, and opened new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately," Guterres told a news conference in Damascus.

The UN chief described his visit as "deeply meaningful and productive" and reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting Syria during what he called a pivotal moment in its history.

"The United Nations stands with the people of Syria at this pivotal moment. I came carrying the strongest possible appeal to the international community to spare no effort to support the Syrian people and to support the Syrian government," he said.

During his visit, Guterres held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and the speaker of the country's newly established transitional parliament, which convened for its inaugural session earlier this month.

He also met members of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which monitors the ceasefire line in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights, as well as representatives of Syrian civil society, women, youth groups and members of the country's diverse communities.

In addition, Guterres visited the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus, widely regarded as one of the most infamous detention centers under the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad.

The UN secretary-general emphasized that Syria urgently needs investment to revive its economy, restore basic public services and rebuild institutions devastated by years of war.

"Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions. Syria needs support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure and revive livelihoods," he said.

Guterres also called for increased international assistance to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of millions of displaced Syrians.

According to the United Nations, approximately 1.7 million Syrian refugees have returned home since the change of government in December 2024. However, around 5.5 million people remain internally displaced, while another six million Syrians continue to live as refugees abroad.

Many Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024 after more than a decade of civil war.

Since taking office, Syria's new leadership has sought to normalize relations with the international community, revive the economy and launch reconstruction efforts.

Several Western governments, including the United States, have announced measures easing some sanctions in recent months. However, investors have remained cautious amid concerns over political stability and the country's long-term recovery prospects.

The World Bank estimates that rebuilding Syria after years of war will require approximately $216 billion, underscoring the scale of the reconstruction effort facing the country.

Guterres' trip marks the first visit by a UN secretary-general to Syria since Ban Ki-moon traveled to the country in 2009, two years before the outbreak of the conflict in 2011.

The Syrian civil war claimed the lives of more than half a million people, displaced millions both internally and abroad, and caused widespread destruction to the country's infrastructure, economy and public institutions.

The UN has repeatedly called on the international community to increase humanitarian and development assistance, arguing that sustained support will be essential for Syria's long-term recovery and regional stability. (ILKHA)