ISLAMABAD, June 30: The Foreign Office on Friday announced that Pakistan had formally recognised the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign and independent state, following the request of its government.

The announcement comes a day after Montenegro was admitted as the 192nd member of the United Nations by a General Assembly resolution adopted by acclamation on recommendation by the Security Council.

“We congratulate the people of Montenegro on self-determination through referendum and achieving independence,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan was considering Montenegro’s proposal to establish diplomatic relations.

Montenegro held a referendum on May 21 to become independent from Serbia. It is a small country in south-eastern Europe with a population of about 620,000, of which around 15 per cent are Muslims.—Q.A.