MOSCOW. Oct 6 (Interfax) - Moscow is delighted to learn that the Pacific nation of Tuvalu has decided to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.
"Moscow welcomes Tuvalu's sovereign decision to establish diplomatic relations with the young South Caucasus states, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia. This step by Tuvalu strengthens Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's international legal status and will promote Sukhumi's and Tskhinvali's international contacts," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Thursday.
Tuvalu recognized Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence in September 2011.
Following this, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Tuvaluan Prime Minister Willy Telavi reached an agreement on the sidelines of the 66th session of the UN General Assembly in New York that the two countries will establish diplomatic relations. Relevant procedures should be carried out in the near future, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on September 25.
Tuvalu, known as the Ellice Islands up until 1975, is a Polynesian island nation in the Pacific.
Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Nauru earlier recognized Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence.