UNITED NATIONS, Oct 26: Pakistan’s bid to secure a non-permanent seat in the 15 member United Nations Security Council, the most powerful organ of the world body next year, received a major boost with the unanimous endorsement by the Asian group on Thursday.

The Asian group comprises of 54 members of the UN General Assembly and its endorsement is vital for Pakistan to secure the seat in elections next year for the rotating term in the Security Council from 2003-2005.

The elections to the non permanent seats would be held in the 57th session of the General assembly.

In the 15 member Security Council five countries-China, United States, Britain, France and Russia — are permanent members and 10 non-permanent members rotate for two years term. The permanent five members have veto power over the resolutions put forth in the Security Council while the non permanent members do not enjoy such powers.

Addressing the Asian group meeting on Thursday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Shamshad Ahmad expressed his government’s gratitude to the Asian nations for reposing confidence in Pakistan’s leadership.

He assured the Asian nations that Pakistan was committed to the principles of international peace and security and would exert every effort to rise to the expectations of the UN membership in general and the Asian countries in particular.

The endorsement by the Asian group is considered vital for Pakistan’s success in the elections next year.