“It is entirely obvious that this is not a strategic partnership merely on paper, but one that translates into tangible benefits for both nations. This is precisely how an exemplary strategic partnership between two countries should look; one rooted in mutual respect, fairness, and dignity, and focused on reciprocal benefits,” stated the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, regarding the strategic partnership between Georgia and China.
Kobakhidze outlined the concrete results that the signing of the strategic partnership agreement with China has brought to Georgia.
“As you are aware, a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement was signed yesterday between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China. This is an event of exceptional importance for our country from both a political and economic perspective.
Since the strategic partnership agreement was first signed three years ago, relations between our two countries have developed dynamically:
Over the past six months alone, China has hosted official visits from the Georgian Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, and five cabinet ministers. Each of these visits was strictly results-oriented. In total, since 2023, 14 vital international agreements have been signed between Georgia and China, with a further six currently in the final stages of review.
Bilateral trade turnover between Georgia and China increased by 17% in 2024, by 21% in 2025, and skyrocketed by 45% between January and April 2026. Today, China ranks as Georgia’s third-largest trading partner overall and the second-largest destination for Georgian exports. Notably, during January–April this year, Georgian exports to China tripled compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, an expansion of the Free Trade Agreement was signed last November, and, last year, Georgia was featured as the Guest of Honour at the China International Import Expo. By the end of 2023, the first exchange of international road freight permits took place, boosting road transit. In 2024, a memorandum was signed to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for the China-Europe Railway Express.
As a result of these initiatives, the volume of container shipping to and from China via the Middle Corridor reached a historic high in 2025. Deepening trade and economic ties with China directly contributes to the expansion of the Georgian economy and domestic production.
Following the initial agreement, a reciprocal visa-free regime was established for Georgian and Chinese citizens during 2023–2024. This has catalysed an increase in direct flights and passenger numbers.
Chinese visitor arrivals to Georgia rose by 83% in 2024, 44% in 2025, and 49% in the first quarter of this year. Today, three Chinese airlines operate in the Georgian market. Last year, Air China introduced a Beijing–Urumqi–Tbilisi route; this July, China Southern will add an identical service, and from July 15, China Eastern will launch direct flights between Shanghai and Tbilisi. Remarkably, this year’s ITB China in Shanghai, one of Asia’s largest tourism expos, opened at the Georgian national pavilion, underscoring the exceptional attention the Chinese side pays to Georgia.
Partnership between the Ministries of Education of Georgia and China has also significantly deepened. A memorandum is being drafted to support cooperation and exchange programmes between Georgian and Chinese universities and colleges, introduce joint youth initiatives, and expand Chinese language education across Georgia.
This is only a partial list of the benefits that the strategic partnership agreement with China has yielded for our country. It’s clear that this isn’t just a paper partnership; it translates into real, tangible benefits for both nations. This is precisely what an exemplary strategic partnership should be. Even though the People’s Republic of China is a massive superpower, the Chinese authorities have developed cooperation with us in the shortest possible time and with maximum efficiency. What is particularly commendable is that the Chinese government treats our country as an equal. Against the backdrop of the existing flaws in global politics, this is remarkably conspicuous and deeply appreciated,” Kobakhidze stated.
The Prime Minister further explained that Georgia places immense value on deepening cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, which, based on the experience of the last 50 years, he described as the world’s only peaceful superpower.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese authorities for their unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The signing of this comprehensive strategic partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strengthening of Georgian-Chinese relations, promising significant political and economic benefits for our country.
I want to thank every member of the government and parliamentary team whose hard work brought about this milestone. Special thanks go to the Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili; the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili; and the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, for their tireless efforts. I also extend my gratitude to the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, who signed the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on behalf of the Georgian state.
I owe a special debt of gratitude to our Chinese partners: personally to President Xi Jinping, who signed the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Georgia, as well as to the Premier of the People’s Republic of China and our counterpart ministers. Finally, I would like to thank the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, whose personal dedication and support have played a crucial role in elevating Georgian-Chinese relations from a strategic partnership to the current level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
I reiterate that signing this comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China is an event of exceptional magnitude that will bring tangible rewards to our nation across numerous sectors,” Kobakhidze concluded.
