United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Mr Geir O. Pedersen is in Damascus. He has so far met with Commander of the New Administration Mr Ahmed al-Sharaa and Prime Minister of the Caretaker Government Mr Mohammed al-Bashir. The Special Envoy briefed on the outcome of the Aqaba International Meeting on Syria on 14 December 2024, stressing the need for a credible and inclusive Syrian-owned and led political transition based on the principles of United Nations Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). The Special Envoy stressed the intention of the United Nations to render all assistance to the Syrian people. The Special Envoy was briefed on their challenges and priorities. Mr Pedersen has numerous engagements scheduled in the coming days.