Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a phone call to discuss regional issues, including the UN chief's visits to Syria and Cyprus.
Key facts
- •UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that UN humanitarian aid currently meets only 20% of Syrian needs.
- •The World Bank estimates Syria's post-war reconstruction costs at $216 billion.
- •Guterres will visit Cyprus from July 27 to July 29 to engage with stakeholders regarding the peace process.
- •The UN will submit a report to the Security Council later this month regarding Israeli violations in Syria.
- •Syria's new authorities took power in December 2024.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday regarding regional developments, specifically focusing on Guterres's ongoing visits to Syria and the island of Cyprus. Separately, Fidan held discussions on Sunday with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concerning the ongoing negotiation process between Iran and the United States.
By the numbers
UN Chief's Visit to Syria
During a three-day visit to Damascus that began Saturday, Secretary-General Guterres met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Guterres emphasized that violations of Syria's sovereignty are unacceptable and urged Israel to comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He also noted that current UN humanitarian aid covers only about 20% of the needs of the Syrian population. The UN plans to submit a report to the Security Council later this month regarding Israeli violations in Syria.
Cyprus Peace Process
The UN announced that Guterres will travel to Cyprus from July 27 to July 29 to support the peace process. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman and Greek Cypriot administration leader Nikos Christodoulides. The mission aims to advance stability on the island and support the work of the UN peacekeeping mission, UNFICYP.
Syrian Reconstruction Efforts
Syria's new authorities, who assumed power in December 2024, are working to rebuild the country following 13 years of conflict. While some Western nations, including the U.S., have begun lifting economic sanctions, investors remain cautious. The World Bank has estimated that the total cost of post-war reconstruction in Syria could reach $216 billion.
Timeline
- December 2024Syria's new authorities took power.
- SaturdaySecretary-General Guterres arrived in Damascus for a three-day visit.
- SundayForeign Minister Fidan held phone calls with Guterres, the Qatari Prime Minister, and the Pakistani Army Chief.
- July 27-29Secretary-General Guterres is scheduled to visit Cyprus.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
