"This is an important event. Tuvalu is a second country to withdraw its decision of recognition of Abkhazian and South Ossetian independence. This comes as a result of enormous work of the Government of Georgia, and first and foremost of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; so I would like to congratulate on this success primarily to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs", - the State Minister declared, adding that the international community stands by Georgia within the implementation of the policy of non-recognition.

"The whole world has seen the clear-cut peaceful policy of the current Georgian Government. As a result, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have revoked their recognition, whereas, other countries Russia has been actively working with, declined to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. I am sure that the policy of non-recognition will be irreversible", - Mr. Paata Zakareishvili stressed.

On the March 31, 2014 Georgia and Tuvalu established diplomatic and consular relations. On behalf of Tuvalu Government, the Protocol was signed by the Minister for Environment, Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade, Mr. Taukelina Finikaso and on behalf of the Georgian Government - by the Georgian Foreign Minister, Ms. Maia Panjikidze. According to the Protocol the sides agree to develop inter-state relations based on the principles of sovereign equality, friendly relations and co-operation between the states, inviolability of borders and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

The Protocol underlines that "Tuvalu recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, including its regions - the autonomous republic of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia". By signing the Protocol Tuvalu revoked its previous illegal decision of 2011 and reaffirmed its unequivocal support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its respect for the principles of international law.