The permanent secretary of Foreign Affairs in Tuvalu says the decision to establish diplomatic links with Armenia has nothing to do with reaping financial reward, Radio New Zealand International reports.

According to Tapugao Falefou, there have been no financial pledges.

“Not that I know of, there is no financial support that we have received from Armenia and there was no financial support that has been pledged by Armenia as far as I am aware,” said Falefou.

He stressed that Armenia is just one of the countries Tuvalu has approached as part its policy to build up diplomatic relations.

Radio New Zealand International says the move was criticized my certain states, including Azerbaijan. They claim Armenia established relations with Tuvalu for it to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh in exchange for financial support.