Jordan's foreign ministry says the kingdom has presented a request to the United Nations seeking candidacy for a Security Council seat that Saudi Arabia had turned down.

The Saudis' rejection of the seat — just 24 hours after it was elected — had stunned the world organization.

According to the Jordanian ministry statement Monday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh telephoned UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon late Sunday after sending Jordan's "official request" in writing.

The General Assembly, which voted last month to give Riyadh the seat traditionally reserved for an Arab nation on the council, must formally approve Jordan as a replacement candidate. It's likely to be the only candidate, so Jordan's election is virtually assured.

Since joining the world body in 1955, Jordan has held the seat twice before.