Juba, South Sudan - Kenya on Saturday declared its recognition for the newly independent South Sudan as a full sovereign state. "We (therefore) welcome, and fully embrace the new republic and its leadership, and look forward to working closely with her, both at the bilateral level as a neighbour, and also within the framework of the various regional and multilateral structures," Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said during independence celebrations in Juba. He noted that the declaration of South Sudan as an independent state was an important and significant step in the search for lasting peace and stability for the people of the entire Sudan.

President Kibaki said with the declaration of independence, the difficult path of nation building had just begun as the people of South Sudan would understandably be harbouring high expectations of delivery of services by the Government of their brand new state.

"You can, however, overcome any challenges of nation building by promoting unity in diversity, hard work and dedication of every citizen in the new nation."

President Kibaki called upon the government in Sudan to support the new state so as to create the requisite conditions for the peaceful co-existence of the two sovereign neighbouring states.

He gave the assurance that Kenya would continue to stand by  the new state to consolidate peace and pursue economic and social development and called on the region, the African Union and the international community to remain committed to assist the people of the entire Sudan in their search for solutions to all the remaining aspects of the peace process.

"Today, six years since the signing of the CPA in Nairobi, Kenya, the world is witnessing a truly historic occasion. On behalf of our region, I bring to the Government and the people of the new republic of South Sudan, our warmest congratulations and best wishes on this momentous day.

"I commend the IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) Member States, the IGAD Partners Forum, the African Union, especially the AU High Level Implementation Panel, the UN and its agencies, and all the friends of the Sudan, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the Comprehensive Peace Agreement period. We could not have been here today without your generous support and valuable contribution," added President Kibaki.

Congratulating President Salva Kiir and the people South Sudan, President Kibaki paid tribute to the late Dr. John Garang, who led the independence struggle, and all the gallant people of South Sudan who sacrificed their lives in the search for a negotiated solution to the conflict.

He commended President Omar Al Bashir of Sudan and President Salva Kiir for their leadership, commitment and exceptional courage through the difficult journey in the search for durable peace in South Sudan.

Earlier, President Kibaki laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Dr. Garang.

The Kenyan delegation includes the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former President Daniel Moi, several cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and senior Government officials.

Pana 09/07/2011