Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chengdu, in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province. The meeting took place as part of the Prime Minister’s visit to attend the opening ceremony of the 31th Summer World University Games, where he was invited by President Xi Jinping.
Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Georgia have consolidated political mutual trust and scored remarkable achievements in cooperation in various fields, Xi said, according to local media Xinhuanet.
It was reported that during Garibashvili's visit, both sides will issue a joint statement and announce the establishment of China-Georgia strategic partnership.
Taking this as a new starting point, China and Georgia should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the sound and steady development of the strategic partnership, and provide momentum for the development and revitalization of both countries, President noted.
Xi said China and Georgia should understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and be good friends and partners based on mutual respect, mutual trust and equality.
He also stressed that both sides should carry forward traditional friendship and enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
China is ready to work with Georgia to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, adding that China welcomes Georgia to expand its exports of high-quality products to China and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Georgia.
In his words, the Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity.
The President noted that he had put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative with the aim of upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and solving global issues related to peace and development.
Expressing gratitude for China's long-term support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence, Garibashvili said Georgia firmly upholds the one-China policy.
Garibashvili said that Georgia supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi and will actively participate in their implementation.
The elevation of Georgia-China relations to a strategic partnership will bring more opportunities to Georgia, Garibashvili said, expressing the hope that Georgia will expand and deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade and various other fields.
