UAE officially recognises South Sudan

ABU DHABI // The UAE has officially recognised South Sudan as an independent state, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said yesterday it hoped the declaration of South Sudan's independence would "open a new page in achieving security and stability to serve the interests of the region's people".

"The UAE is keen to bolster co-operation and to build close relations with South Sudan politically, economically and socially," the statement read.

South Sudan proclaimed its independence as the world's newest nation on Saturday after five decades of conflict with the north of the country.

The vice president of South Sudan, Riek Machar, revealed two weeks ago plans to open one of the country's first embassies in Abu Dhabi.

It also plans to set up a trade bureau in the UAE, host an investment conference in the Emirates in October and schedule flights between the two countries.

South Sudan's independence was made official exactly six months after its residents voted almost unanimously to separate from the north.

Khartoum was among the first capitals to officially recognise the oil-producing nation.

cmalek@thenational.ae