Guterres tells Putin important to establish freedom of navigation in Black Sea - sec gen office

NEW YORK (UN). Oct 25 (Interfax) - United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for freedom of navigation to be ensured in the Black Sea at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Guterres' office said in a statement.

"The secretary-general expressed his belief that establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is of paramount importance for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and for the world's food and energy security," it said.

Guterres "fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard and expresses his deep appreciation for the work being done by Turkey," the statement said.

In addition, the parties discussed the situation in the Middle East, including "the absolute need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the need to avoid a further regional escalation," it said.

They "also discussed the questions of development and the international financial system."