Willy Telavi, the prime minister of the tiny island nation of Tuvalu, has arrived in the former Georgian republic of Abkhazia, the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry reported on Wednesday.

Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab received Telavi on Wednesday evening.

On Friday, Telavi will meet with his Abkhazian counterpart Leonid Lakerbaya and Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Chirikba. The two premiers will then sign a memorandum of understanding and cooperation.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.

Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and the tiny island nations of Nauru, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu are the only countries to have recognized the two republics.