ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday approved the recognition of Republic of South Sudan by Pakistan.

The United Nations General Assembly added the candidacy of South Sudan as the 193rd member state after declaring its independence from Sudan on July 9. So far 88 countries have accorded recognition to the newest independent country.

In a message to the president of the Republic of South Sudan, the prime minister conveyed heartiest felicitations on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan.

He expressed best wishes for the success in nation building efforts as well as in socio-economic development of South Sudan.

The prime minister said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with the South Sudanese government both at bilateral and multilateral levels to advance shared objectives of peace, prosperity and development of peoples of both the countries.