Chinese Ambassador reiterates support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity
Qian rejected criticism of the strategic partnership document, signed between the two countries in July, not involving mentions of the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia. Photo: Chinese Embassy to Georgia
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Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday reiterated the support of his Government for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Qian rejected criticism of the strategic partnership document, signed between the two countries in July, not involving mentions of the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia.
I think this is a deliberately wrong approach to this document. We support the territorial integrity of Georgia and this has been reiterated in many documents [concluded] between the two Governments before. China supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. This is the most important principle in Chinese politics”, Qian said.
“That is why Georgia supports China's global security initiative. [Pointing to] [t]he fact that Abkhazia and South Ossetia [Tskhinvali region] are not mentioned in the document is a deliberate wrong approach to the document”, he continued.
The Chinese diplomat also stressed that “China and Georgia are both independent countries, and we have the right to choose who is our partner [or] strategic partner”, and further pointed out that his Government and the European Union also enjoyed a strategic partnership.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told China Central Televsion in an interview aired today he was leading a "pro-peace Government" that was "seeking peace, stability and prosperity for Georgian citizens".
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.
Georgian and Chinese Governments on Monday shared their “commitment” to expand cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields, strengthen collaboration in international affairs and bilateral relations, and safeguard regional and world peace, stability and development together in a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday announced establishment of a strategic partnership with Georgia and a “new stage” in bilateral ties between the two countries in his meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on the sidelines of the Summer World University Games in Chengdu.
Levan Davitashvili, the Georgian Economy Minister, on Monday said the Chinese citizens would be able to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa requirement, following Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s announcement earlier during the day about the Government’s intention to introduce visa-free travel with the country.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday claimed an “anti-Chinese campaign” being organised by “some domestic political forces” as an “attempt to establish Sinophobia in the public”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday said the free trade agreement between Georgia and China had played a “crucial” role in ensuring “greater trade between our countries”.