After being formally appointed as the next U.N. secretary-general, South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon expressed support for the U.N. Security Council's move to sanction North Korea over its reported nuclear test.

Ban told a press conference that he hoped that the Security Council will adopt a clear and strong resolution.

He won the UN General Assembly's approval of his appointment to head the world body from January 1.

He said that it is absolutely necessary that the international community should again send a very strong, unified, and clear message so that North Korea will not be tempted to engage in any further negative activities.

Ban, however, stressed international diplomacy should be continued at the same time, stating that the global community should combine a "strong and united message" with "room for dialogue."

Later in the day, Ban also said he intends to appoint a special envoy on North Korea to draw more U.N. attention to the communist country.

Dealing with North Korea's nuclear threat is expected to be one of the top main tasks for Ban.

During campaign speeches and media interviews prior to Friday's appointment, Ban said he would make use of his experience in dealing with North Korea to settle the standoff, adding that he has a special sense of responsibility as a Korean.

Ban also said he intends to visit North Korea to directly engage its reclusive regime.