Parliament official denounces opposition’s criticism of China ties harming country’s interests

Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Committee on Human Rights, on Monday said the ongoing visit of the ruling party’s delegation to China was “in the vital interests” of the country, in comments rejecting criticism by a part of the domestic opposition on the development.

Sarjveladze said the opposition’s “attempts to portray the visit as harming the interests” of Georgia would be “useless”. 

We remember the statements of the opposition that alleged the establishment of strategic relations with China would prevent the country from receiving the European Union membership candidate status, which turned out not to be true. Many European countries have very deep and intense relations with China, which is normal”, he said. 

“China has repeatedly stated clearly that it supports the territorial integrity of Georgia, which is stipulated in more than one document - and if it is not stipulated in any document, it [still] cannot have any negative impact on China's clear position”, the Parliament official continued. 

Sarjveladze also reviewed the Middle Corridor - a transportation route network connecting China with Europe through the South Caucasus region - by saying its “strategic goal” would be “lost” if there was no cooperation with China.

The official further pointed out China was considered the “main actor in trade relations”, which he said was “strategically important for Georgia”. 

The Georgian Dream party delegation, led by its Chair Irakli Kobakhidze, will on Monday hold “high-level” meetings during the visit.

The officials will meet the Chair of the International Relations Department of the Chinese ruling party and the Vice President of the Development Research Centre of the State Council.