PM says 2023 China visit of “historic significance”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday hailed his visit to China in July as being of “historic significance” in comments while presenting the annual report of his Government's work. 

The PM stressed the visit, initiated by the Chinese President, had led to the signing of a joint declaration elevating bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.

Noting China's status as the world's second-largest economy, he emphasised Georgia's interest in fostering trade and economic ties, exemplified by the decision to implement a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens.

The PM also highlighted “successful visits” to Central Asian countries, including “productive tours” and cooperation development documents signed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, while also noting “dynamic relations” with countries of the Middle East and Persian Gulf region and “fruitful meetings” in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

He also stressed the importance of the economic cooperation agreement with the UAE and the signing of a free trade agreement earlier this year that he said provided “new opportunities” for Georgian businesses.

The PM also made a mention of the Jordanian Government’s gifting of a 4,000-square-metre plot of land near Jordan River to Georgia last year, noting his office had launched plans to build a Georgian culture centre in the location in 2024. He said the development marked a “return to the holy land” for Georgia “after 300 years”.