Unrest-hit Libya recognized the new nation of South Sudan on Saturday, Xinhua quoted the official news agency JANA as reporting.
"The general people's committee for international cooperation and foreign affairs announced Libya's recognition of the Republic of South Sudan as an independent and sovereign state," JANA said.
With its recognition, Libya joined the chorus of countries which has recognized the world's newest state which announced officially its independence in a ceremony attended by a host of heads of state, including Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, and foreign dignitaries and officials, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.