Parliament Speaker says visa-free travel to China “emphasises attitude” of Chinese Gov’t toward Georgia

The Chinese Government’s introduction of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens “emphasises its attitude toward Georgia” and the strategic partnership between the countries, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on Monday.

Papuashvili said the Georgian Government would welcome introduction of visa-free travel for Georgian nationals by other countries.

This is very important for our citizens. [...] [T]he strength of the Georgian passport is increasing year by year. Therefore, I call on all countries, especially our strategic partners, to introduce visa-free travel for Georgia. A total of 3.5 million people live in Georgia. I don't think there are so many of us that any country has any question marks toward us, and fears that there will be an excessive migration to one or another country”, he said. 

The lawmaker also said visa-free travel with the European Union had “particular importance” for cultural connections and people-to-people ties, adding the EU’s opening of its borders to Georgian citizens in 2017 had led to closer ties with EU member state nationals “in all directions”. 

When other countries take such a decision, it will further strengthen the relationship between countries and peoples. It also implies intensity of economic relations, when travel between countries is easy”, he said. 

Earlier today Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the Chinese Government had made a decision to introduce visa-free travel to the country for Georgian citizens. Kobakhidze noted Georgian nationals would be able to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days.