9 July 2012 - With resilience and wisdom, South Sudan would overcome obstacles in becoming a prosperous nation, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today on the country's first independence anniversary.

In a message read out at celebrations in Juba by Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson, Mr. Ban said the road ahead would not be without challenges.

Among these are unresolved issues with Sudan that have resulted in a border conflict and economic crisis, after South Sudan disagreed with its northern neighbour over pipeline fees and stopped the flow of oil

"The United Nations is doing its utmost in partnership with the African Union (AU) to help the governments of Sudan and South Sudan settle all pending differences peacefully," the Secretary-General said.

In collaboration with UN agencies, UNMISS would also continue supporting government efforts to protect its civilians and consolidate peace throughout the country, he added. "We are strongly committed to building a stable and thriving South Sudan."

Also addressing the crowd at John Garang Mausoleum, AU head Ambassador Jean Ping said his organization was planning a solidarity conference to more effectively assist countries emerging from conflict, and pledged the union's support.

"South Sudan will feature high on the agenda," he said. "I therefore bring you the assurances of the African Union Commission (that)we will be beside you in the challenges you encounter."

During his speech, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir urged the international community not to abandon the young nation.

"I urge the international community to stay with us," he said. "The commitment we showed in creating our nation is the same commitment we will show in developing it."

His government was under no illusion about the scale of its task and "the international community should not doubt our determination to achieve it", President Kiir said.

Commending South Sudan for its achievement, SRSG Johnson said South Sudan had passed critical legislation, kick-started security sector reforms and stemmed inter-communal violence in Jonglei.

She expressed hope that the security situation would improve and all outstanding issues with Sudan be resolved ahead of a 2 August UN Security Council deadline for an agreement between the two parties.

"Secondly, I hope we will see a significant investment in security sector reform that is very important for the country," she said. "Thirdly, I hope to see the oil resources flowing again and that these go to the services of the people with good governance."

The UNMISS mandate in South Sudan was renewed for another year on 5 July.

Other leaders attending the anniversary celebrations included Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni; Kenyan Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno, representing Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki; Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, representing Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi; and Sudanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahudin Wanasy, representing Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.