FM criticises Gov’t opponents' “irresponsible” statements on strategic partnership with China

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday criticised negative statements by the domestic opponents of the ruling Georgian Dream party on the signing of a strategic partnership between Georgia and China earlier this year as “baseless and often irresponsible ”. 

In an interview with Imedi TV, Darchiashvili responded to the criticisms and noted that about 60 countries worldwide had signed a strategic partnership with Beijing, including European Union member states. 

The top Georgian diplomat also stressed the country’s geography allowed it to connect the East and the West.

These were traditionally irresponsible statements [by a part of the domestic opposition] that harmed the country. However, we don't really set our agenda according to their criticism. We implement policies that serve our citizens, [ones] that are good for our citizens and for the well-being of our country”, he said. 

“China has a strategic partnership with many EU member states. We have recently seen a high-level dialogue between the European Union and China, as well as a bilateral dialogue between the United States and China that took place recently. Accordingly, we are not afraid of unfounded and often irresponsible criticism of our opponents”, the Minister continued.

Darchiashvili added the Government’s goal was to “fulfil the main task given to us by our citizens - to maintain peace and prosperity” in the country and develop the economy, an approach he said the ruling team would continue.