UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the Security Council to tighten sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to its latest ballistic missile launch.

"The secretary-general welcomes the continued unity of the Security Council, which is essential to achieve the goal of de-nuclearization and create the space for diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving it in a peaceful manner," said Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

The UN chief supports the Security Council's desire for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation, as well as its call for further work to reduce tensions, said the statement. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with all parties to that end.

The secretary-general called on all UN member states to ensure the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and to redouble efforts to make 2018 a pivotal year for the achievement of sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula.

"The only way forward for a comprehensive peaceful and political solution requires de-escalation and open communication channels, now," said the statement.

The UN Security Council on Friday adopted Resolution 2397 to further tighten sanctions against the DPRK. It targets exports of refined petroleum product exports to the DPRK, among other restrictive measures.