UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 30 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that the organization welcomes the constructive dialogue between the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, while noting that ASEAN plays a key role in the regional peace and security architecture.

"The United Nations also welcomes the constructive dialogue between ASEAN and China towards the maintenance of regional peace and maritime security," the UN chief told the Security Council meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN.

"We look forward to the conclusion of a 'Code of Conduct' in the South China Sea to help prevent maritime disputes," said the secretary-general.

"ASEAN plays a key role in the regional peace and security architecture, including bringing together major regional powers within ASEAN-led fora," he added.

"We encourage ASEAN to use that great convening power to effectively and creatively address peace and security threats in the broader Asia-Pacific region," said the UN chief.

Guterres commended ASEAN's contributions to helping ease the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Noting that the situation on the Korean Peninsula "remains of deep concern," the UN chief said that through public and quiet diplomacy, including by hosting historic meetings in Singapore and Hanoi, the ASEAN region has contributed to efforts to promote sustainable peace and security, and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Guterres said.