KHARTOUM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan Pekka Haavisto on Wednesday called on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to adopt dialogue and de-escalation as essential steps toward a comprehensive ceasefire.

It is important "to continue engaging on ways to prioritize the protection of civilians and to explore confidence-building measures that could help create conditions conducive to meaningful processes," Haavisto told reporters following the meeting with Sudan's top officials, the country's Transitional Sovereign Council said in a statement.

He added that the UN remains fully engaged with all relevant stakeholders "to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path towards a durable peace achieved through an inclusive and genuine dialogue."

The UN envoy started a three-day visit to the country on Tuesday.

Since mid-April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions inside Sudan and abroad, according to estimates by international organizations. ■