The Philippines congratulated Kyrgyzstan on Thursday after the former failed to obtain a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the first time.

The country got 142 votes while the Philippines got 49 votes after four rounds of secret voting for the Asia Pacific seat.

"The Philippines respects the decision of the member states of the United Nations and extends its congratulations to the Kyrgyz Republic following today’s election for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council," Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a statement on Thursday.

"We thank the international community for the support and goodwill extended to the Philippines throughout our candidacy," she said.

"Our campaign was anchored on our longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and cooperation among nations. These remain principles that the Philippines will continue to uphold and advance in the global community," she added.

Kyrgyzstan led the first ballot with 105 votes to the Philippines’ 85, before steadily increasing its support through three head-to-head rounds of voting, ultimately prevailing by 142 to 49 in the fourth round,'' the DFA said,

"The election marks a historic milestone for Kyrgyzstan, which will serve on the Security Council for the first time since joining the United Nations in 1992," it added.

Lazaro said "the Philippines remains committed to working with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order." Robina Asido/PHS