Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent UN representative and Security Council president for December, speaks during a press briefing in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 4, 2025. A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare visit to Syria on Thursday, marking a high-level engagement with Syrian authorities since they took power following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) — A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare visit to Syria on Thursday, marking a high-level engagement with Syrian authorities since they took power following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
According to state news agency SANA, it is the first visit of its kind to Syria since the Security Council’s founding in 1945.
The delegation, representing all Security Council member states, visited several locations in the capital Damascus and held meetings with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shibani, and other senior government officials, according to Syrian authorities.
At the end of the visit, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent UN representative and Security Council president for December, said in Damascus that the delegation aimed to “build trust” and hoped the visit marked a step forward in that effort.
Zbogar noted that the delegation addressed a wide range of issues throughout the day, including justice and reconciliation, inclusivity in the political process, national dialogue, humanitarian needs, economic development, political transition, counterterrorism efforts, and the importance of preventing Syria from becoming a threat to other countries.
“We agreed with the president on the importance of the economic development and reconstruction of Syria,” he added.
The delegation also met with UN representatives in Syria and communities affected by recent coastal incidents and violence in Sweida province, according to Zbogar.
“All discussions were enlightening, as much as painful to listen to, but at the same time, presenting the situation in Syria,” he said.
The visit comes as Syria continues its efforts to stabilize the political situation and advance national dialogue following the political upheaval in December last year. ■
Members of the UN Security Council delegation visit the old city of Damascus, Syria, Dec. 4, 2025. A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare visit to Syria on Thursday, marking a high-level engagement with Syrian authorities since they took power following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
A convoy of the UN Security Council delegation is seen upon entering Syria through the Lebanese border in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, Dec. 4, 2025. A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare visit to Syria on Thursday, marking a high-level engagement with Syrian authorities since they took power following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
UN Security Council delegation makes rare visit to Syria
