United Airports of Georgia Director, China Southern Airlines representatives discuss cooperation
The importance of launching direct flights between Tbilisi and the largest cities of China “immediately” after the implementation of the visa-free travel regime for Georgian citizens to China was also emphasised by the sides. Photo via United Airports of Georgia
Tweet 
Share
The strategy of cooperation to contribute to the growth of the passenger flow between Georgia and China was discussed on Friday by Irakli Karkashadze, the Director of the United Airports of Georgia, and the representatives of China Southern Airlines, one of the major airlines in the country.
The parties reviewed the preparations for the summer season and the plans to seasonally increase flights from the northwestern Chinese city of Ürümqi to Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, the United Airports of Georgia said.
The importance of launching direct flights between Tbilisi and the largest cities of China “immediately” after the implementation of the visa-free travel regime for Georgian citizens to China was also emphasised by the sides.
Karkashadze said the conversation touched on the preparatory work aimed at making visa-free travel effective for Georgians.
The number of tourists visiting Georgia from China considerably increased in 2023, compared to 2022, which amounted to 48,304 visitors, the UAG noted, adding that China Southern Airlines had served a total of 31,258 passengers last year.
Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Saturday noted the bilateral trade turnover with Georgia amounted to $2 billion and increased by 48 percent in 2023, compared to the previous year, highlighting the total number of investments from China to Georgia that exceeded $800 million.
Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Saturday told Imedi TV channel that the strategic partnership between the two countries would “undoubtedly” increase Georgia’s international political influence, expand its diplomatic reach and develop economic opportunities.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Sunday stressed the importance of visa-free travel with China, and further noted the Government's “priority” was to have “as many partner countries as possible”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said the Chinese Government had made a decision to introduce visa-free travel to the country for Georgian citizens.