Pacific

Vanuatu formally establishes diplomatic relations with Georgia

04:49 am on 2 April 2014

Vanuatu has formally established diplomatic relations with Georgia, after the then newly elected government last July retracted the country's recognition of the breakaway states of Abkazia and South Ossetia.

Both regions are trying to align with Russia.

That move has the backing of Nauru, which has received significant aid from Russia, but both Vanuatu and Tuvalu last year withdrew support first given in 2011.

The Tuvalu foreign minister, Taukelina Finikaso, has made a state visit to Tbilisi this week.

He says Tuvalu supports Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, which include Abkhazia and South Ossetia.