Georgia has “dynamic, mutually beneficial” relations with China - FM

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Tuesday told the Georgian Public Broadcaster the country had a “dynamic, mutually beneficial” and “partnerly” relations with China.

In the interview, Darchiashvili noted the Government had signed a free trade agreement with China in 2018 according to its “priority” of diversifying export markets “as much as possible”.

He said the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had a “very fruitful and important” visit to China in August which brought a “new impetus” to bilateral relations of the two countries, and noted the further strengthening of relations and upgrading them to a strategic level was discussed. 

This year, between December 7-8, a Chinese summit is planned in Beijing, which will give China and the European Union an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations. In this direction, our dynamic bilateral relations with China contribute to our country playing a natural role in this region and efficiently and effectively connecting Asia and Europe”, he also told the channel.

“Our bilateral trade relations will further develop, and this helps our country to diversify its export markets as much as possible”, the official added.

In response to a question on compatibility of China's global security initiative with the security policy of the European Union, in light of Georgia’s strategic cooperation with the former leading to its support for the Chinese Government’s initiative, Darchiashvili said Georgia’s foreign policy priorities were “unequivocal” and enshrined in the constitution.

• Georgian, Chinese gov’ts release joint statement on establishing strategic partnership

The Minister said the Government formulated and implemented the country’s foreign political priorities with the aim to “maintain peace and stability in the country” as the goal was a prerequisite for “development, economic growth and its consequences”.

He also noted Georgia was “making an effort to be a worthy part of the international community” and participate in “ongoing processes”, highlighting the participation of Georgian forces in “many” peacekeeping missions over the years had led to the country being “not only a consumer of international security and order but its valuable contributor”.