UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is following with concern cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, his spokesperson said Thursday.

In a note to correspondents, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general urges relevant parties to comply with their obligations under international law and to ensure the protection of civilians.

"Commending mediation efforts by several Member States in recent months, the Secretary-General urges the parties to continue to seek to resolve any differences through diplomacy," Dujarric said.