The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has become the fifth country to recognize the unrecognised state of Abkhazia's independence, "Abkhaz Foreign Minister" Maxim Gvindzhiya said on Tuesday.
"We exchanged notes on diplomatic relations and signed an agreement," Gvindzhiya said, RIA Novosti reported.
Russia recognized Abkhazia and another Georgian territory, South Ossetia, in 2008. The move followed a five-day war with Georgia.
Later, the two territories' independence was recognized by Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru.
Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.
The Russian ambassador in Australia also fulfills ambassadorial duties in Fiji, Nauru and Vanuatu.