Wednesday, 1 February 2012The town of Nadi in the republic of Fiji will be the last stop on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s Asia-Pacific tour.
It will be the first visit by a Russian Foreign Minister to the island nation. Fiji and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations in 1974.
The Foreign Ministry said the visit aims to establish a regular political dialogue and expand interaction in international affairs, as well as work out prospective trade, investment and humanitarian projects.
Lavrov is expected to meet with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with the leaders and foreign ministers of Nauru, Tuvalu and other south Pacific island nations.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says the meetings are a continuation of Russia’s move to make ties with the region’s countries more active.
Australian and New Zealand media have speculated the visits are aimed at winning recognition for the Russian-backed republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which declared their independence from Georgia in 2008.
However, at a press conference, Lavrov denied that the tour was an attempt to influence the political moods in the area.
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 other countries to have recognized the republics.
Lavrov’s tour started last Friday. He has already been to Japan, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia.
Russia took over the rotating chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2012. |
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Ria Novosti
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