Future cooperation between Russia and the newly established Republic of South Sudan will become a vital factor for Africa's stability, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in a congratulatory letter to his S. Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit, who took oath as president earlier in the day.
Oil-rich Sudan, Africa's largest country, has served as a 20th-century battleground for land, resources and ethnic identity. South Sudan, where most follow Christian and traditional beliefs, became independent on Saturday after a January referendum agreed under a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war with the Arab Muslim north.
A range of countries, including Russia, the United States, China, Switzerland and others have already formally recognized the Republic of South Sudan.
"The fact that South Sudan has obtained national sovereignty has opened a gate to enhanced dialogue, based on principles of mutual respect, friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation, permeated by successful projects," Medvedev's letter said.
Russian businessmen are looking for joint projects with colleagues from South Sudan, especially in such areas as extraction of commercial minerals, energy and agriculture, the Russian president continued.
"I expect that our partnership will be one of the vital factors, enhancing stability on the African continent."
More than 30 African leaders and senior world politicians gathered on Saturday in South Sudan's capital - Juba - to celebrate its first day as a nation.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who was among the dozens of dignitaries from across the world attending the independence ceremony, congratulated the people of South Sudan, pledging that the United Nations would help the new nation establish effective institutions of governance.
"Together, we welcome the Republic of South Sudan to the community of nations. Together, we affirm our commitment to helping it meet its many responsibilities as a nation," Ban said.
President Barack Obama granted U.S. recognition of South Sudan as an independent state: "I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011," Obama said. "Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible."
South Sudan became the 193rd country recognized by the UN and the 54th UN member state in Africa.
