A handbook on the working methods of the United Nations Security Council has been released online. Japan led the compilation of the document to help non-permanent members of the council play active roles.

The UN headquarters in New York hosted a meeting on Friday to mark the occasion.

The Security Council has five permanent members. Ten non-permanent members are elected by region for two-year terms.

The role of non-permanent members is becoming more important as permanent members, including the United States, Russia and China, have been divided over the situation in Ukraine and other issues.

Japan has been elected to hold a non-permanent seat more than any other UN member. It led the effort to put rules of the council into writing for members with less experience.

Albania's Ambassador to the UN, Ferit Hoxha, attended the meeting and said the document should help speed up discussions at the council.

Japan's UN Ambassador, Ishikane Kimihiro, said after the meeting that the handbook is the outcome of an effort to reform the council to enhance its transparency.

He said the two-year term is very short, but non-permanent members need to contribute ideas to help things move.