The Republic of South Sudan established relations with sovereign states and international organizations following independence on 9 July 2011. South Sudan's former ruling country of Sudan was the first state in the world to recognize South Sudan.
Foreign policy
In the immediate aftermath of the country's independence, South Sudan's foreign policy prerogative was seen as a challenge in the quest to balance relations between the West, other African states and the Arab states. Since independence, South Sudan has sought to shed its reliance on Sudan, reportedly planning to introduce the Swahili language and orient itself toward East Africa.
Diplomatic relations
Sudan was the first country to recognise the independence of South Sudan on 8 July 2011, 1 day prior to independence. Four other states followed suit on 8 July. Over 25 countries had recognised the country on 9 July, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
On 14 July 2011, South Sudan was admitted as a member of the United Nations without a vote or objections raised by its members.
Representation in South Sudan
The United States upgraded its Juba consulate to an embassy on 9 July 2011, as did France. Also Sudan has announced that it plans to open an embassy in Juba, upon independence, while Egypt has announced it intends to convert its existing consulate in Juba into a full embassy. The United Kingdom has opened an embassy in South Sudan, as well.
On 16 September 2011, the ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Norway presented their credentials, the first to do so. Credentials were presented on 15 November of that year by Chinese, German and Kenyan ambassadors.
International organisations
South Sudan became a member of the United Nations on 13 July 2011. It joined the African Union on 27 July 2011. It's also a member in: the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
South Sudan has also either applied or is in the process of applying to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Commonwealth of Nations, the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. South Sudan has also been assured membership in the Arab League, should it decide to pursue membership, though it could also opt for observer status. it may also seek membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which has expressed interest in giving South Sudan admission despite not being a majority Muslim state.
On 24 July 2011, President Salva Kiir told the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly that he hoped the EAC will consider expediting South Sudan's accession to the supranational organisation. South Sudan is considered very likely to join the EAC, but an exact timetable for admission has not yet been mooted publicly.
South Sudan is observer state of Non-Aligned Movement.
Americas
Asia
Oceania
Other continents
Bangladesh
Bangladesh recognizes the independence of South Sudan on 20 July 2011.
China
China recognizes the independence of South Sudan on 9 July 2011.
Comoros
First ambassador of South Sudan to Comoros presented his credentials to Comoros in 2018.
Denmark
First ambassador of South Sudan to Denmark presented his credentials to Denmark in 2016.
Egypt
Essam Sharaf, Prime Minister of Egypt after the Arab Spring-inspired revolution in 2011 made his first foreign visit to Khartoum and Juba in the lead-up to South Sudan's secession. Egypt was one of four countries to recognise South Sudan as an independent state on the first day.
India
India recognized South Sudan on 9 July 2011
Israel
Relations between the two states commenced with Israel's recognition of South Sudan a day after its independence and South Sudan announcing the following week its intention to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. On 28 July 2011, it was announced that full diplomatic ties had been established between the two countries. This was considered a significant boon to Israel, as Sudan did not have diplomatic relations with Israel and did not recognize Israeli sovereignty. This changed under the Israel–Sudan normalization agreement.