Tirana recognizes the independence of Southern Sudan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania has indicated that Albania has formally recognized the independence of Southern Sudan. "The Albanian government welcomed the declaration of independence of South Sudan, on July 9, 2011," said the MFA.

"This act comes as an expression of self-determination for the people of South Sudan, which was confirmed in a referendum on independence, held in January of this year," said the statement of the foreign ministry.

Southern Sudan is the newest country in the world. It declared its independence on July 9, 2011