European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Monday hailed the "historic moment for Sudan" upon the announcement of the final results of an independence referendum in Southern Sudan.
She praised the January referendum as "timely and credible," saying it "resoundingly expressed" the determination of the people of Southern Sudan to establish an independent state.
An overwhelming majority of registered voters participated in the vote overseen by the Electoral Observation Mission.
"The EU fully respects the outcome of the referendum as a true reflection of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Southern Sudan," Ashton said.
The EU looks forward to developing a "close and long-term partnership" with Southern Sudan, which is set to become a new state by July according to a peace agreement, Ashton added.
The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) announced earlier in the day the final results of the vote, saying over 98 percent of the voters have chosen to stand for separation of the region.