The United Nations has a new member - South Sudan. The African nation, which gained independence on Saturday, became the UN's 193rd member state by acclamation on Thursday.

The United Nations has a new member - South Sudan. The African nation, which gained independence on Saturday, became the UN's 193rd member state by acclamation on Thursday.

Applause broke out in the assembly as South Sudan became the lastest country to join the global body since Montenegro in 2006.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that a great task lay ahead for South Sudan.

He said, "Yes, the task ahead is great. But so too is the country's potential, with its abundant natural resources, arable land, the waters of the Nile and of course proud and hard working people. We pledge to help South Sudan shape its future as we help the region consolidate the gains."

The new country's vice president, Richard Massa Tumi, thanked the United Nations for its help.

He said, "On behalf of the people of South Sudan and on my own behalf there are no words sufficient to express the depths of our gratitude to you. Through your persistence and dedication, you have helped to bring to an end to one of Africa's longest civil wars. Your continued efforts and unyielding support will be crucial to sustain the peace."

The South Sudan flag was later hoisted outside U.N. headquarters

The country's independence was the climax of a 2005 peace agreement, that ended decades of civil war with the Arab-dominated north.

However, the new country inherits a string of disputes with Khartoum.

Unresolved disputes between the two countries include the exact demarcation of the border between the two states, citizenship, and the sharing of oil resources.

But representatives of the two countries have pledged to put the past behind them and resolve the outstanding issues peacefully.