2017-06-09
Georgia and China enjoy traditional friendly relations and strong partnership, which are grounded in the principles of equality, mutual respect, and cooperation. Today the partnership between our nations is stronger than ever, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated in his speech at the event celebrating the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the People's Republic of China.
According to the Prime Minister, it is clearly evidenced by our growing bilateral cooperation, high-level visits to both Georgia and China, and the tangible results of cooperation.
"China is one of the largest trade partners and investors in Georgia. The recent historic Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China is poised to advance our trade and economic cooperation to a new qualitative level. Notably, Georgia is the first country in the region to have signed this agreement with China.
We welcome Chinese companies launching their business activities in Georgia in steadily growing numbers, with some of them having already gained a foothold in the Georgian market. New directions of cooperation are springing up. One such direction involves building joint plants to manufacture Georgian-Chinese products. Georgia's business community is taking increasingly growing interest in the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market," the Prime Minister said.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the One Belt-One Road project of global importance initiated by Chinese leader Xi Jinping creates new prospects of deeper relations between our two countries and enhanced regional cooperation in general, and Georgia, as a bridge connecting European and Asian markets, prioritizes its engagement in this initiative.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Georgia, as one of the founding countries of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, we are committed to making a significant contribution to the development of regional ties and infrastructure.
The Head of Government, in his speech, also spoke of active humanitarian relations and growing people-to-people contacts.
"We are actively working together with our Chinese partners to deepen our tourism cooperation, so that more Chinese tourists may visit Georgia, and more Georgians may enjoy this country famous for its unique culture and traditions. I am convinced that our joint efforts will further expand and cement the friendship and business relations between our countries," the Prime Minister stated and thanked Chinese Ambassador JI Yanchi for the event's exceptional organization.
The event, celebrating China-Georgia Friendship Day and the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, was held at Rike Park. The Prime Minister, in the company of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China, visited an exhibition of Georgian and Chinese companies showcasing their products.
Prime Minister's Press Office