After shunning the United Nations for more than half a century, Switzerland has submitted to the world body its formal application for membership.
The document, signed by Swiss President Mr Kasper Villiger, was delivered to UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan yesterday by Swiss Permanent Observer to the United Nations Mr Jeno Staehelin.
Mr Annan said he was "delighted" by the move. "Switzerland is in many ways a vivid example of what the United Nations stands for - a tolerant, peaceful and multicultural society built on democratic values," the secretary general said.
He noted that Switzerland was already playing host to the organization's second largest duty station in the world, and has long been a member of numerous UN agencies and programs as well as a party to many UN conventions.
"I am sure that as a full member, Switzerland will put this knowledge to good use and will make its voice heard across the breadth of our work," Mr Annan pointed out.
Swiss citizens voted to join the United Nations in a historic referendum held in early March.
AFP