Georgia Establishes Relations With Vanuatu

Georgia has established diplomatic relations with the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

Georgia's Foreign Ministry made the announcement on July 14 after the two countries' representatives at the United Nations signed an agreement.

The document noted that Vanuatu acknowledges Georgia's "internationally recognized borders," including the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

In May 2011, de facto authorities in Abkhazia announced that Vanuatu had recognized the region as independent.

However, the island nation's new government revoked that decision just weeks later.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized by Moscow following Russia's brief war with Georgia in August 2008.

Only a few other countries have recognized the regions since then.


Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax