Finland recognizes independent South Sudan
Press release 186/2011
22 July, 2011
President Tarja Halonen decided on Friday 22 July to grant Finnish recognition of the world’s newest independent state, the Republic of South Sudan. At the same time she approved the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and South Sudan. The recognition was granted in a presidential session at Kultaranta, the President’s official summer residence.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July following a referendum on secession in January. At the independence celebrations in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, Finland was represented by MP Pekka Haavisto, the Foreign Minister’s Special Representative. At the same time the Finnish delegation delivered to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir a letter from President Tarja Halonen, announcing Finland’s intention to recognize South Sudan.
South Sudan was admitted as the 193rd member of the United Nations just one week after its independence. The country’s independence was the outcome of a peace treaty concluded in 2005, which ended the longest running civil war in Africa. The peace treaty paved the way to an independence referendum, in which almost 99 per cent of registered voters were in favour of secession from Sudan.
Further information: Antti Niemelä, tel. +358 40 140 8932