Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Aphrem II hosts UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for high-level discussions on Syria’s Future

DARAMSUQ — On Wednesday morning, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II welcomed Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, and his delegation to the Patriarchal Residence in Daramsuq (Damascus). The meeting, attended by prominent Church leaders and Christian community representatives, focused on the current situation in Syria and the obstacles to establishing a dignified, just, and inclusive state.

Special Envoy Pedersen was accompanied by Special Assistant to the Special Envoy Galemjan Kirbasov, Principal Officer for Political Affairs Robert Dann, Political Affairs Officer Marwa Ali, Political Affairs Officer Faisal Irshad, and National Political Affairs Officer Ranin Makhoul.

The gathering included prominent figures including Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef al-Absi, Bishop Romanos al-Hannat — representing Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Antioch Mor John X Yazigi, Patriarchal Assistant for the Syriac Orthodox Church Bishop Moussa Khoury, and Head of the Evangelical Church in Syria Pastor Botros Zaour. Patriarchal assistants Bishop Mor Joseph Bali and Bishop Mor Ouken Khoury Naamath were also present.

Patriarch Aphrem II welcomed the delegation and reflected on the challenges facing Syria. He emphasized the importance of turning fears and difficulties into opportunities for rebuilding the nation and ensuring dignity and freedom for its citizens.

Special Envoy Pedersen expressed the UN’s commitment to reviving Syria’s social and economic life. He underscored the critical need for principles of citizenship, democracy, justice, and equality, identifying them as the pillars of freedom and dignity for all Syrians.

The meeting highlighted shared aspirations for a stable and just Syria, with religious and international leaders aligning their efforts to support the country’s reconstruction and future development.