Georgian PM highlights strategic partnership between Georgia, China

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili highlighted the strategic partnership between Georgia and China by calling it a “very important” decision that would yield results for both countries.

In an interview with China Central Television during his visit to the country last month, aired today, Garibashvili noted he had a “very successful and fruitful” meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“This was my first meeting with him. Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to him for inviting me to China. The decision to elevate the existing relationship to the next level [of strategic partnership], which we made together, was especially welcome”, Garibashvili said. 

So, Georgia and China have become strategic partners, which I believe will be a very important decision and both countries will benefit from this very important, I would say historic decision. I am really satisfied, I am really pleased that we made this happen.Today I am really proud to say that now Georgia and China are strategic partners. I am going back home with some concrete tangible results”, he continued.

The Government head also called President Xi an “exemplary leader".

He is a visionary, wise man, who did great things for his great nation, doing very ambitious projects and reforms. He is an inspirational leader. During our bilateral meeting we also spoke about the potential of sharing experience of governance and other initiatives. I am very interested in strengthening our bilateral ties, relationship and friendship and trust with the Chinese Government and President Xi”, he noted.

Garibashvili also added that his Government “fully” supported the Chinese President's initiatives.

I'll tell you why. [Because] all his initiatives are pro-peace, pro-progress, modernisation, prosperity and pro-development. This is great. This is what the world needs today. The world today needs peace, stability and prosperity for all the nations. President Xi’s initiatives are really outstanding and I think these initiatives will inspire many nations. [...] I would also like to inform you that we were probably one of the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative”, Garibashvili said.

He also noted the founding of the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum in 2015, reflecting Georgia’s role in the old Silk Road, and noted the development was a “very important opportunity" for the country.