8 Nov 2013

Nauru seeks to expand ties with Russia

4:41 pm on 8 November 2013

Nauru and Russia have strengthened links through a visit by the president, Baron Waqa.

In talks with the acting governor of the Sverdlovsk region, Yakov Silin, the Voice of Russia reports Mr Waqa as saying Nauru will keep supporting the Russian Federation.

The two men have discussed a cooperation package in which the Sverdlovsk region would have a role.

Mr Silin also offered to help Nauru develop tourism.

Two years ago, Nauru courted controversy by backing Russia over the backaway Georgian region of Abkhazia.

Russia has since provided significant aid to the island.