Madam President (Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen), 1. I am briefing you from Damascus, following the Secretary-General’s visit to Syria last month – the first by a Secretary-General in 17 years. Let me at the outset thank the Syrian authorities for all the efforts made to ensure a secure and open environment for all his engagements. 2. In his meetings with President al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and other senior officials, the Secretary-General welcomed progress in Syria’s political transition, including steps to strengthen state institutions and towards reconciliation, accountability and transitional justice. He stressed that the success of the political transition will ultimately be measured by whether all Syrians feel represented in state institutions and able to participate meaningfully in shaping their country’s future. He shared this message during his open engagements with a wide array of Syrian women, civil society, and diverse communities. 3. The Secretary-General was equally clear that Syria cannot meet the transition challenges alone. Greater international support is essential to meet urgent humanitarian, recovery and development needs and create conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary returns. Syrians need tangible improvements in their daily lives and a viable future in their country. International support is essential to the success of the political transition itself. Madam President, 4. I welcome the US rescinding of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. These steps should help create more favourable conditions for economic recovery, investment, and broader international engagement with Syria. According to an International Monetary Fund mission that visited Damascus last month, recovery is accelerating and double-digit growth in 2026 is projected. But widespread poverty and renewed inflation mean conditions remain very difficult for most Syrians. Madam President, 5. The People’s Assembly has adopted rules of procedure,
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