Terming India a "leading voice" in the developing world, the UN today said both India and Pakistan should continue their composite dialogue process to maintain peace in the subcontinent but ruled out withdrawal of its observer mission in both countries.

"India and Pakistan are two important countries in the subcontinent and they should continue to improve their relations through dialogue and cooperation," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New Delhi [Images].

The world body also expressed concern over the security situation in Pakistan and sought international cooperation to help the country create secure atmosphere and have social-economic development.

"I am concerned over the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan," he said, asking the global community and neighbouring nations to help it improve the situation.

Recalling his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on the margins of the UN General Assembly, Ban said Singh was "very much committed" to continuing dialogue and improving relations with Islamabad [Images].

"I am encouraged by the commitment made by leaders of both countries," he said, hoping that the existing peace process would continue.

 The UN chief also cited the recent opening of trade routes between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir [Images] as an "encouraging development."

 To a question on UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, Ban said he had made fresh appointments to the mission and expressed the hope that it will continue to carry out its mandated activities successfully. 

Image: Ban Ki-moon with President Prathibha Singh Patil at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan on Friday.  

Photograph Courtesy: Rashtrapathi Bhavan