The Chinese mainland's premier Li Qiang and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met in Shanghai during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to supercharge their partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative 🚀.
Since forging diplomatic ties 33 years ago, these two nations have built a friendship based on mutual respect and support. In 2023, they took things up a notch by forming a strategic partnership—and now both sides want to make it even stronger.
Li Qiang highlighted the power duo's economic complementarity and urged teams on both sides to tap into the intergovernmental committee on economic and trade cooperation. Their checklist? Upgrade the China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement, dive into hot sectors like digital economy, new energy and artificial intelligence, and ensure a friendly business climate for everyone 🙌.
But it’s not all spreadsheets and deals. Li also pitched more people-to-people exchanges—think tourism, education programs, science and tech collabs, cultural festivals, and youth projects. Plus, more sister-city partnerships to spark new friendships across borders 🎉.
On the global front, both countries—proud members of the Global South—agreed to back multilateralism, free trade and China’s four major global initiatives. It’s all about safeguarding the global economic order and promoting fairness and justice for all 🌐✊.
Kobakhidze echoed the vibe, praising the Chinese mainland as a stable partner that champions world peace. He confirmed Georgia’s support for the one-China principle, pledged deeper Belt and Road cooperation, and lauded China’s push for global stability.
The cherry on top? Li and Kobakhidze witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation pacts covering trade, AI, agriculture, environmental protection, inspection and quarantine, culture and aviation. Next stop: a new era of China-Georgia collaboration 🚀🤝.
Reference(s):
Li Qiang: China to further align development strategies with Georgia
cgtn.com
