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Developing strategic partnership and cooperation in the directions of trade ad economy were the key topics discussed at today's meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
The meeting was held within the scope of Irakli Garibashvili's visit to the People's Republic of China.
As Irakli Garibashvili pointed out, China is Georgia's reliable trade partner, third largest trade partner, also first in terms of export and third in terms of import among Georgia's largest trade partners. The parties discussed the results achieved since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with China, which amounted to 2 billion USD in 2022.
The Prime Minister noted that Georgia attaches great importance to further continuing investment cooperation with China. Irakli Garibashvili briefed Li Qiang on the country's potential in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and renewable energy sources, also on large infrastructural projects actively carried out by the Government.
Georgia's transit potential and the importance of developing the Middle Corridor-which has acquired further significance against the backdrop of global challenges-were also discussed at the meeting. Via the Trans-Caspian the South Caucasus international transport route, Georgia offers a path connecting China to Europe in the shortest time possible.
The parties also discussed regional energy and infrastructural initiatives poised to enhance the South Caucasus Region's opportunities to become a connector between the East and the West.
The conversation revolved around the positive indicators in the sphere of tourism. As the Prime Minister noted, the cooperation between the countries in the area of tourism is growing and, as a result of joint efforts, the pre-pandemic statistics will be restored soon. In this regard, it is commendable that flights between Georgia and China have resumed, in this way contributing to the growth of the numbers of tourists.
The conversation touched on cooperation toward the development of digital economy, including in the directions of the development of 5G technologies and the creation of data centers, the digital corridor, and the establishment of a regional digital hub in Georgia.
"Mister Premier, it is a great honor and pleasure to meet you today. First of all, I would like to say how much we value this relationship and friendship with China.
"I came here with one concrete message, to strengthen our bilateral ties, our relationship, and our friendship.
"Mister Premier, I had the opportunity and privilege to meet with President Xi Jinping in Chengdu. And I am extremely grateful for his warm welcome and hospitality.
"And I was also privileged to attend the opening ceremony of the World University Games, which was fantastic and spectacular. I want to once again thank you and express my gratitude to President Xi Jinping and you, Premier.
"I want to note that, of course, we are extremely honored and pleased with the decision that we will elevate our relationship to the strategic partnership level.
"This, I think, will bring complete results for both ends, for Georgia and for China as well. And also I want to highlight-which I mentioned to President Xi-that Georgia firmly supports the One China Principle, and I also want to express my gratitude for your support to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
"We truly value this friendship and cooperation with China, so I very much look forward to working with you, and I am looking forward to our discussion. Thank you again," the Prime Minister said.
As the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China noted, Georgia and China will release a joint communique to advance their bilateral relations to the strategic partnership level, which will be a milestone in the relations between China and Georgia.
"I thank you for coming to China for the opening of the Chengdu University Games and also visiting Beijing. You are a very renowned statesman in Georgia and an old friend to the Chinese people.
"I know that this is the second time you are Prime Minister of Georgia. During your two terms as Prime Minister, you are advancing Georgia's relationship with China. We highly appreciate your efforts.
"Last year, our two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. And, a few days ago in Chengdu, you had an important meeting with President Xi Jinping, charting the course forward for our bilateral ties and a new era, and the deepening of the cooperation across the board between the two countries.
"This afternoon, our two countries will host the Economic and Trade Forum, which I think will boost communication and coordination between our two Governments and business communities.
"Our countries will also release a joint statement to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This will be an important milestone in China-Georgia relations.
"China is ready to work with Georgia to take this opportunity to bring our relations and cooperation to a new height," the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China stated.
Irakli Garibashvili thanked Li Qiang for his warm hospitality and invited him to Georgia.
After the meeting, the Plan for Bilateral Cooperation between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the People's Republic of China under the Belt and Road Initiative was signed, and so was the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China on Investment Cooperation in Digital Economy.
The Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China on Joint Chinese Language Education in the Schools of General Education of Georgia. The Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the State Audit Office of Georgia and the National Audit Office of the People's Republic of China, also the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property between the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia and the National Intellectual Property Administration of the People's Republic of China.
Press Service of the Government Administration