The European Union on Saturday congratulated South Sudan on achieving independence and stressed that the world's newest nation would require international support to thrive, dpa reported.
In a statement, the 27-member bloc noted that it had supported the implementation of the 2005 peace deal between the Muslim north and mainly Christian South Sudan.
"The world's newest state will require international support to establish itself as a secure, peaceful and prosperous country, able to meet the needs and expectations of its people," the EU said.
The EU also commended the government of Sudan, under war crimes suspect President Omar al-Bashir, for its decision to recognize the new republic.