The President of Nauru would like to see Abkhazia as a ‘best friend’

President of Nauru Baron Divavesi Waqa . REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The President of Nauru, Baron Divavesi Waqa, has arrived in Abkhazia on an official visit. This is a real rarity for Abkhazia, taking into consideration the fact that apart from Russia, only five other states recognize it as an independent state.

Waqa stated that the visit was meant to demonstrate the Republic of Nauru’s adherence to the principles of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

“You can wholly rely on us, as one might on a reliable partner … that will always support you. We intend to lobby for your interests in the future and for the process of the recognition of Abkhazia,” emphasized Waqa.

Considering that Abkhazia is not recognized as an independent state at large, Waqa’s Abkhaz counterpart Raul Khadjimba offered to form a ‘Group of Friends of Abkhazia in the Pacific Ocean Region’ for the states that recognize Sukhum officially – Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.

“Such a group could lobby for the interests of Abkhazia in this region. We fully understand that recognition is not a quick process, but the possibility to lobby interests through such a struct will allow us to form economic and humanitarian relations with a number of states. I also think it’s possible to form relationships with the Forum of Pacific Ocean Islands, of which Nauru is a part. This will spread information about Abkhazia in the region,” stated Khadjimba.

Nauru recognized Abkhazia in December of 2009.

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