Syria's authorities recognized independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the websites of the republics' foreign ministries said.
"Expressing gratitude for the support during the terrorist aggression against Syria, the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to establish diplomatic relations with the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," the Syrian foreign ministry said.
The official statement also reads that the diplomatic ties will be established at the embassy level.
Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Nauru have also recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
