United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent international support for Syria during his first official visit to the country since 2009, marking a significant diplomatic moment for the war-torn nation.

Mr Guterres arrived in Damascus this week, becoming the first UN chief to set foot in Syria in 17 years for an official visit, and the first since his predecessor Ban Ki-moon's trip two years before the devastating civil war began.

During his time in the Syrian capital, the Secretary-General held discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. President al-Sharaa had been under UN Security Council sanctions until last year, a detail that underscores the changing diplomatic landscape.

The visit marks a delicate diplomatic turning point for Syria, with its president only recently emerging from international sanctions.

Humanitarian Crisis Demands Urgent Aid

The UN chief's plea for global assistance comes as Syria continues to grapple with a profound humanitarian crisis. Years of conflict have decimated infrastructure, displaced millions, and left a significant portion of the population reliant on aid.

International agencies and aid organisations have repeatedly highlighted the severe needs across the country, from access to food and medicine to shelter and basic services. Mr Guterres's presence in Damascus is intended to draw renewed attention to these ongoing challenges.

Syria's Shifting International Standing

Syria has endured more than a decade of civil war, which erupted in 2011 following anti-government protests. The conflict quickly escalated, drawing in regional and international powers and leading to immense suffering and loss of life.

The lifting of UN Security Council sanctions on President al-Sharaa last year was a pivotal development, signalling a potential shift in the country's isolation on the international stage. Mr Guterres's visit is seen by some analysts as a further step in this complex process of re-engagement.

The Secretary-General's discussions are expected to touch upon pathways to peace, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the potential for greater stability in the region, though immediate breakthroughs are not anticipated.