Dick Cheney, the US vice-president, yesterday called on the west to unite behind Georgia in one of the strongest international statements of support for the country after its conflict with Russia last month.

Speaking at a press conference with Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian president, in Tbilisi, Mr Cheney des-cribed the US as a "sturdy and faithful friend" that would help Georgia rebuild and become one of the world's fastest growing economies once again. His visit, part of a regional tour to countries the US considers threatened by Russia, came a day after the US had announced plans to grant Georgia $1bn (€690m, £563m) in reconstruction aid.