2019-05-24
The growing economic and trade relations between Georgia and China were the main topic discussed during today's meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China.
The meeting praised the visit of the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China to Georgia as historic, and emphasized that it is the first instance in the past 23 years in the history of independent Georgia that China's Foreign Minister is on an official visit to Georgia, which reiterates that China gives priority to relations with Georgia.
Special attention was paid transport cooperation and the importance of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China. Georgia is proud of the FTA with China, the fastest growing economy in the world, the Head of Government said, adding that the Georgian side is committed to advancing and enhancing its cooperation with China.
The global Belt and Road Initiative, and Georgia's further engagement in the project, was also singled out. The Foreign Minister of China underlined his favorable attitude toward Georgia's aspirations to become a transport, transit, and logistics hub between Europe and Asia.
The meeting emphasized that the first train from China to Georgia arrived with Mamuka Bakhtadze as the Head of Georgian Railways, and that this event has advanced the two countries' bilateral economic relations to a new level.
Wang Yi conveyed to Mamuka Bakhtadze greetings from the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. He also emphasized that visiting Georgia is a great honor. According to Wang Yi, Georgia is a fast-growing economy, and the positive dynamic in the development of the relations between the two countries is commendable.
On behalf of the Chinese People and Government, Wang Yi wished the Prime Minister a Happy Independence Day, and reaffirmed China's strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
After the meeting at the Administration of the Government, the Prime Minister hosted an official dinner in honor of the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China.
Prime Minister's Press Office