New York - US President Barack Obama's speech in Egypt calling for an end to the rift between the West and the world's Muslims was a "crucial step" in bridging differences, the United Nations said Thursday.

"I strongly welcome its message of peace, understanding and reconciliation," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said.

"President Obama's speech is a crucial step in bridging divides and promoting intercultural understanding, which is a major objective of the United Nations."

Ban said Obama's message heralds a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and the Islamic world and he was optimistic that it would favourably impact efforts to end the conflicts in the Middle East.

In a speech at Cairo University, Obama said: "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."(dpa)