Georgian PM praises China’s “incredible achievements”, says strategic ties will ensure “mutual benefits, prosperity”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday praised China’s “rich history and culture” and its “incredible achievements”, while also saying the recently signed strategic deal with Beijing could ensure “prosperity and mutual benefits”, in his address at an official reception in Tbilisi dedicated to the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

I am confident our strategic partnership will further deepen, bringing prosperity and mutual benefits to our great nations”, Garibashvili said, in reference to the agreement signed during his official trip to China earlier this year. 

Commending China's “amazing civilisation", which Garibashvili said was “rich in tradition and symbolism” and had won “universal admiration for its infinite depth”, the official added the country’s progress had been driven “not only by its future ambitions, but also its ability to embrace its historical legacy as a source of strength and inspiration”. 

Describing his visit to China in the summer as an “important stage” in bilateral relations, Garibashvili stressed he “firmly believed” the countries’ vision of “shared prosperity and sustainable development” would yield “tangible and mutually beneficial results”. 

He emphasised Georgia and China enjoyed “fruitful cooperation” in a number of sectors, including infrastructure, trade, economy, tourism and culture. 

It is important that Georgia historically appears as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia and is an integral part of the ancient Silk Road. Today, our strategic location allows us to contribute to the revival of the route through the Middle Corridor envisioned under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative”, he noted. 

The PM attended the reception with his wife. Photos: Government press office. 

Garibashvili claimed his Government was making “significant investments” in infrastructure to promote the country’s transit potential, and added the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum scheduled in October, which he said was an international platform for high-level and multilateral dialogue, also confirmed his Government's commitment to the goal and the Chinese initiative. 

He stressed the signing of a bilateral cooperation plan between Tbilisi and Beijing as part of the Belt and Road Initiative “had confirmed” Georgia’s commitment to China’s transit aspirations. 

In his speech, the PM also said Tbilisi “highly appreciated” China's “unwavering support” for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and stressed Georgia also adhered to the "one China principle”.