Egypt says it will be completely transparent and neutral in its choice for the next United Nations chief, in elections due later this year.

The remarks were made by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry as he met Tuesday with Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand and current administrator of the United Nations Development Programme who is campaigning to be the next UN secretary-general, succeeding Ban Ki-moon, a foreign ministry statement said.

Clark said she is looking forward to winning Egypt's vote to hold the top post, given the country's active role and weight in the region, the statement added.

Egypt secured a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January. 

Shoukry stressed during the talks that "Egypt's final choice of a candidate will be made within a framework of total transparency and neutrality," the statement added.

Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, will step down at the end of 2016 after two five-year terms.

Since the world body's inception 70 years ago, the top post has always been held by a man. Many countries, led by Colombia, and several civil society organisations are lobbying for a woman to chair the organisation.