09th July 2011, Male'; The Republic of Maldives has today recognized the Republic of South Sudan as an independent and sovereign state.
In a letter addressed to H. E. Mr. Deng Alor Kuol, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, Foreign Minister Naseem expressed congratulations on the independence of the world's newest state, and stated that "the Republic of Maldives, with immediate effect, recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as an independent and sovereign state."
The Government of Maldives plans to establish diplomatic relations with South Sudan at an early date and work towards strengthening cooperation between the Maldives and South Sudan in areas of mutual interest.
After decades of civil war and sacrifice of many lives, the South Sudanese people, in January this year, voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to declare independence and create a new country.
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