The 192-member United Nations General Assembly on Friday elected by acclamation and without vote South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon as the eighth Secretary General for a term of five years beginning January 1.

Ban, 62, a seasoned diplomat whose first foreign posting was in New Delhi, will succeed Kofi Annan who retires after two five-year terms on December 31.

Immediately after the election, Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Secretary General Kofi Annan and chairmen of regional groups congratulated Ban, who was present in the chamber, on his election.

Earlier, Security Council President Kenzo Oshima informed the assembly about the council's decision to recommend Ban for the post.