Israel and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan have established diplomatic relations, the two countries announced Thursday in separate statements. Israel's ties with the world's newest country are the result of an ongoing diplomatic effort by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and officials in the Foreign Ministry. Israel does not have diplomatic ties with the government in Khartoum. Israel and South Sudan "both desire to promote and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries and peoples, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of one another," Lieberman said on Thursday. The practical aspects of the new relationship, including the appointment of ambassadors, are to be discussed in the near future. The South Sudanese government made an announcement reiterating Lieberman's sentiments to a delegation of Israeli diplomats, headed by Foreign Ministry Director General for Africa Yaakov (Jacques) Revah, in the capital city, Juba. The Republic of South Sudan declared its independence on July 9 and the U.N. approved membership five days later. South Sudan has been a de facto nation since 2005, however, and Israel had engaged in commerce with the South Sudan prior to official U.N. recognition. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks by phone with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, offering Israeli help in the areas of infrastructure, development and agriculture. Israel had formally recognized the world's newest nation a few days prior to the conversation. Israel is also weighing whether or not to return thousands of South Sudanese refugees, who were granted asylum after crossing Israel's porous border with Egypt, now that their country has achieved independence. Officials in Israel have lauded South Sudan, which earned independence through communication and direct negotiations, and have called on the Palestinians to follow suit. South Sudan gained its independence following a referendum that ended a bloody 21-year civil war with its northern neighbor, Sudan. Disputes over oil revenue, border demarcation and citizenship remain unsettled between the two nations, and peacekeeping troops have been dispatched to patrol the border. "
Israel has a new friend in South Sudan
The practical aspects of the new relationship, including the appointment of ambassadors, are to be determined • Foreign Minister: Israel desires to "promote and strengthen ties" with South Sudan.
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