By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday greeted the people and the government of South Sudan on the occasion of the declaration of the country’s independence.
“On behalf of the people and the government of India, I convey my warmest felicitations and greetings to the people and government of South Sudan on this momentous and happy occasion. It marks the successful conclusion of important landmarks spelt out in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005, including in particular the peaceful conduct of the referendum,” Manmohan Singh said in a letter to President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan.
South Sudan became the 193rd country in the world after a referendum in Sudan granted it independence and a peace agreement brought the civil war to an end. Vice President Hamid Ansari represented India at South Sudan’s inaugural in the capital city Juba.
The celebrations of independence of South Sudan are being held July 9.
The prime minister said India stands ready to share its development experience and extend whatever assistance possible to South Sudan.
“I am confident that our cooperation will grow from strength to strength in the coming days for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” he said.
Manmohan Singh conveyed India’s best wishes to the people of South Sudan on their new journey of nation building and development and greater peace and prosperity in the region.
“We applaud your commitment to addressing all outstanding issues with north Sudan in an amicable and peaceful manner,” the prime minister said.