New York, Jul 14 (IANS/AKI): The UN Security Council has recommended to the General Assembly that the fledgling state of South Sudan join the UN, bringing the new nation one step closer to becoming the world body's 193rd member.

The top UN body's decision was contained in a resolution that it adopted without a vote following an application for membership submitted by the president of South Sudan.

In a statement read out by Guido Westerwelle, foreign minister of Germany, which holds the Security Council's rotating presidency this month, the 15-member body noted "with great satisfaction" South Sudan's solemn commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to fulfil all the obligations contained therein.

"We look forward to the Republic of South Sudan joining us as a member of the United Nations and to working closely with its representatives," the statement added.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the meeting, saying that "like any newborn", South Sudan - which on the day of its birth ranked at the bottom of almost all human development indicators - needs help.

"Our responsibilities are enormous and the role of the UN is vital, but it is complicated," he said. "We must continue to help - to help the new nation become a nation - to help the region consolidate the gains. This is the ultimate test of peacebuilding and of nation-building."

South Sudan officially broke away from the rest of Sudan July 9.

South Sudan's independence is the result of the January 2011 referendum held under the terms of a peace treaty that ended the decades-long civil war between the North and the South.

A new UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan was set up last week comprising 7,000 military personnel and up to 900 civilian police as well as a civilian component, takes over from the UN Mission in Sudan.