United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, calling it a positive step towards regional peace and stability.

In an official statement, Guterres expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “The United Nations had been closely monitoring the situation between Pakistan and India. We are pleased to see both countries choosing dialogue over conflict,” he said.

The UN chief commended the efforts of both sides for showing restraint during a period of heightened hostility, adding that peace in South Asia is essential not just for the region but for global security. “The end of military confrontation and the beginning of diplomacy is always a welcome development,” he noted.

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Earlier on Saturday evening, US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following a night of US-mediated negotiations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Taking to his social media platform, Mr Trump said: “After a long night of U.S.-mediated talks, India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries for choosing Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a series of cross-border missile exchanges that led to heavy casualties and widespread damage to military infrastructure on both sides.