New York, July 31 (SANA)U.N. Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterressaid on Friday that theMiddle Eastand the wider world could not afford another war, calling for an end to fighting on all fronts and urging greater reliance on diplomatic solutions.

“I have just returned fromSyria, Jordan and Cyprus. Throughout my visits and my ongoing engagement with leaders, one message has stood out clearly: the region and the world cannot afford another war,” Guterres said in a post on X.

I've just returned from Syria, Jordan & Cyprus.Throughout my visits & in my ongoing outreach with leaders one message is impossible to ignore:The region – and the world – cannot afford more war.The fighting must stop on all fronts.Diplomacy must prevail.pic.twitter.com/VYoNAa0Dqe

He added: “The fighting must stop on all fronts. Diplomacy must prevail.”

Earlier, at the conclusion of his visit to Syria, Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for the country and called on the international community to back the Syrian people during a pivotal phase.

His remarks come amid escalating tensions and crises in several parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, as international calls grow for dialogue and political solutions to strengthen regional and global security and stability.