NEW YORK — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council and the president of the 193-member General Assembly on Monday that he seeks a second five-year term at the helm of the world body, according to a letter seen by Reuters. His first term finishes at the end of this year.

In a letter to the Security Council and General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, Guterres said: "It would be my honor to continue to serve the organization in pursuing its purposes and fulfilling its noble objectives."

"Since assuming office, I have had the privilege of working towards the reform of the United Nations to meet the aspirations of member states, striving for the dignity and the well-being of people, while ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations," Guterres wrote.

He said he was ready to submit a vision statement for his second term to the General Assembly and take part in an informal discussion with member states. Guterres was responding to a Jan. 8 letter from Bozkir that asked his intentions.

Guterres informally said on Friday he planned to seek a second term during a conversation with Bozkir and a separate lunch with the permanent, veto-wielding Security Council members — the United States, China, France, Britain and Russia, said diplomats and Bozkir's spokesman. — SPA