“It is the choice of the Georgian government what kind of a relationship it wants to have with China,” said US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and China within the framework of the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s working visit to China.

“First, let me congratulate all of the Georgian athletes who participated in the Summer University Games in Chengdu. It was great to see the Georgian flag represented there at that international competition.

In terms of the strategic partnership, of course, it’s the choice of the Georgian government what kind of a relationship it wants to have with China. Many countries are turning away from the Belt and Road Initiative after a few years seeing that it actually isn’t very beneficial to other countries. So, if Georgia decides to embrace it, I hope it will lead to good results. But again, it looked like it was an important visit for Georgia and it’s Georgia’s choice who its partners are going to be.

The United States remains a strong supporter of Georgia as we have for the past through years. And I think our track record is very positive and very clear as to the concrete benefits that have come from the partnership between the United States and Georgia,” she said.