CAIRO, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said here on Monday that there was an opportunity to reach understandings to help ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and resolve issues related to Iran's nuclear program through peaceful means.
Guterres made the remarks during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, where they discussed escalating tensions in the Gulf, the Palestinian issue and reform of the United Nations, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
A lasting and sustainable peace in the region cannot be achieved without a just settlement of the Palestinian cause, Guterres said, stressing that it will remain the central issue in the Middle East until a final resolution is reached.
Expressing deep concern over developments in the West Bank, he called for measures to halt violations against Palestinians and urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to protect Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Both sides affirmed the need to move forward with reforming the United Nations system, including the Security Council, in a manner that enhances its representation and fairness and strengthens its ability to respond effectively to contemporary international challenges and crises. ■