"Strategic relations are growing ever stronger, and it is our desire to see them develop further. We hope to continue our friendship, partnership, and cooperation with Georgia in the future," stated Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, during an expanded-format meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze.
He added that mutual support for developing bilateral relations is particularly important and a core principle of the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Han Zheng thanked the Government of Georgia for its warm hospitality and expressed hope that his visit would further strengthen bilateral relations.
"In recent years, the leaders of our countries have consistently supported the development of bilateral relations.
In June, President Xi Jinping and President Kavelashvili met and made a statement on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Next year, Georgia and China will celebrate the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. Our strategic partnership continues to grow stronger, and we are committed to developing it further.
We hope to continue strengthening our friendship, partnership and cooperation with Georgia in the years ahead.
Mutual support for developing bilateral relations is particularly important and is a fundamental principle of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Georgia has long upheld the One China principle, while China supports Georgia's sovereignty, security and national development interests.
We support the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the economic sphere. We have an economic development plan that will create new opportunities," stated Han Zheng.
The expanded meeting at the Government Administration of Georgia was attended by members of both countries' governments.
According to the Government Administration, the Prime Minister of Georgia emphasized the profound importance of the visit of a high-level Chinese delegation to Georgia and expressed his gratitude to the Vice President.
"We attach profound importance to the partnership and friendship that have developed between our countries. We highly appreciate China's attitude towards Georgia and your visit is yet another demonstration of this relationship.
Our diplomatic relations span 34 years, and we are pleased that the Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and Georgia was signed as we mark the 34th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. We are also pleased that this agreement is delivering concrete, tangible results.
Several years ago, our countries established a strategic partnership and since then, we have made significant progress in various areas of bilateral relations.
We attach great importance to deepening political cooperation between our countries. We are grateful for China's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we once again reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the One China principle. Strengthening political cooperation is of paramount importance to us.
We also place particular emphasis on developing economic cooperation between our countries and are pleased to see very positive trends and growing indicators in this regard. Trade and economic relations continue to expand year after year, and we are keen to deepen this cooperation even further in the future.
We are pleased that, according to data for the current year, China has become Georgia's largest investor, demonstrating the strong confidence of Chinese businesses and the Chinese side in Georgia's economic environment.
This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss ways to further develop bilateral cooperation. We are interested in deepening our partnership to the fullest extent possible, including within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative," stated Irakli Kobakhidze.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also highlighted Georgia's strategic geographic location.
"Georgia serves as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, between the West and the East. From this perspective, we believe there are significant opportunities to further develop relations between our countries.
We are also interested in expanding cooperation across a wide range of other sectors, including culture, education, science, sports, healthcare, agriculture and environmental protection.
We are pleased to see very positive developments in these areas as well, with relations between our countries and their respective institutions continuing to strengthen.
Our relationship with China is profoundly important to us.
In today's world, China is the only peaceful superpower, fully committed to progress, modernization, advancement and development.
Accordingly, we see a special bond between our countries based on shared values. Naturally, this common foundation gives us strong motivation to further develop our bilateral relations.
Mr. Vice President, I am confident that your visit will give fresh impetus to the development of our bilateral relations. We stand ready to make every effort to deepen our cooperation," noted Irakli Kobakhidze.
Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, arrived in Georgia for an official visit, accompanied by a delegation.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili hosted Chinese Vice President Han Zheng at the expanded meeting in the Presidential Palace.
According to the Presidential Administration, the parties reviewed issues to develop a strategic partnership between Georgia and China, emphasizing the significance of the Chinese Vice President’s first visit to Georgia.
During the meeting, they paid particular attention to trade and economic cooperation. Discussions covered opportunities created by the free trade agreement, the growth of Chinese investments, and deepening cooperation across various economic sectors. They touched on expanding academic programs, student exchanges, and scientific ties.
The Georgian President and Chinese Vice President discussed the potential of the Middle Corridor, the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, and plans to hold the 6th Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi.
