Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday underscored the strategic importance of Georgia's partnership with China, describing it as a top priority of the country's foreign policy.
Kobakhidze made the remarks in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on the sidelines of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, which runs from November 5 to 10.
Georgia is one of the guest countries of honor at this year's expo.
When asked about the significance of elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2023, Kobakhidze highlighted China's growing global role and offered insights into the expanding ties between the two nations.
"So, strengthening partnership with China, that's a key foreign policy, a priority for us. It's crucial for Georgia. I would say that China is the only peaceful superpower in the modern world, which is evidenced by the history of the recent decades. And everybody should appreciate this very important role that China is playing worldwide. And China is also a role model for modernization, for progress, for economic development. And China is also a fair player in the global politics. So that's why strengthening ties with China is very promising for us, and we attach a very special importance," he said.
Kobakhidze also underscored the concrete benefits already emerging from the enhanced partnership.
"To this cooperation, so that's why we are specifically happy that we managed to sign the strategic partnership agreement with China, which has already its practical implications, including the visa-free regime which has been introduced mutually, and the benefits related to the economic partnership related to the trade partnership. And this is extremely important for Georgia. Georgia has a strategic geographic location, and with this location, I think we can serve as an important partner to China for deepening its economic ties with different parts of the world," said the prime minister.
Georgia–China strategic partnership deepens with visa waivers, economic cooperation: Georgian PM
