Georgian PM hails “historic” China visit, “milestone” in relations
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said he was “proud” to announce the elevation of ties with China to a strategic partnership. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday hailed his “historic” trip to China and the upgrading of the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, a development he called a “milestone” in ties that would “further strengthen the partnership and unleash untapped opportunities”.
The Georgian top official’s social media post came following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier the day, on the sidelines of the Summer World University Games in Chengdu.
Meeting Garibashvili in the capital of Sichuan Province, the Chinese official described Georgia as a “friend and a good partner”, and announced establishment of a strategic partnership with Tbilisi and a “new stage” in bilateral ties between the two countries.
During historic visit to????????,I am proud to announce the elevation of ????????-???????? coop to the level of strategic partnership. Following the meeting with President Xi Jinping,I am confident that this milestone will allow us to strengthen our partnership and unleash untapped opportunities. pic.twitter.com/LQcfyh0piR
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) July 28, 2023
Extending his gratitude to Xi Jinping, who had invited him to the multi-sport event, Garibashvili said he “highly valued” friendship and partnership with China and was “grateful” for his decision to upgrade existing relations to a strategic partnership.
He added the upgraded partnership was expected to benefit the interests of both sides, and reaffirmed his Government's commitment to further strengthening trade and economic ties with China.