21 May 2013

Georgia's president thanks Vanuatu for "historic" decision

9:28 pm on 21 May 2013

The President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili says he found it particularly painful that Vanuatu had recognised the breakaway region of Abkhazia.

Mr Saakashvili met Vanuatu's Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil on Monday and thanked him for his decision to forge ties with Georgia, reversing Vanuatu's recognition of Abkhazia two years ago

Vanuatu was among five countries including Nauru and Tuvalu to recognise the Russian-backed region.

Mr Saakashvili said Vanuatu's recognition of Abkhazia caused the most pain because it was a real democracy.

"It will always be remembered that you were the first one to reverse the trend so from that point of view I want to thank you really from my heart. Thank you again. Thank you."

The President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili.