On the morning of July 28, 2023, President Xi Jinping met in Chengdu with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili who is in China to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and pay a visit to the country.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Mr. Prime Minister attaches great importance to China-Georgia relations and actively promotes cooperation with China, which he highly appreciated. Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Georgia, the two sides have continuously consolidated political mutual trust and scored remarkable achievements in cooperation in various fields. China is advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. During Garibashvili's visit, both sides will issue a joint statement and jointly announce the establishment of China-Georgia strategic partnership. Taking this as a new starting point, the two sides should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the sound and steady development of China-Georgia strategic partnership, and provide momentum for the development and revitalization of both countries.
Xi Jinping stressed that China and Georgia should keep closer exchanges between governments, and political parties, strengthen the exchanges of state governance experience, understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, and be good friends and good partners based on mutual respect, mutual trust and equality. The two sides should carry forward traditional friendship, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields and forge closer bonds between the two peoples. China is ready to work with Georgia to give play to the role of the China-Georgia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, Joint Commission on Free Trade Agreement and other mechanisms to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China welcomes Georgia to expand its export of quality products to China and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Georgia.
Xi Jinping stressed that the Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity. Faced with major global changes unseen in a century, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) with the aim of upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and solving global issues related to peace and development to confront humanity. China is ready to work with Georgia and the international community to jointly address global challenges and build a human community with a shared future together.
Garibashvili said that it is a great pleasure for him to come to China for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu FISU World University Games and pay a visit to the country, which is a historic visit. Expressing gratitude for China's long-term support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence, Garibashvili said Georgia firmly pursues the one-China policy. Georgia highly values its friendship and cooperation with China, attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the GDI, the GSI, and the GCI put forward by President Xi Jinping, and will actively participate in their implementation. The elevation of Georgia-China relations to a strategic partnership will bring more opportunities to Georgia and is of great significance. Georgia hopes to expand and deepen cooperation with China in various fields including economy and trade, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin, among others, attended the meeting.
