“I know that this is the second time you are Prime Minister of Georgia. During your two terms as Prime Minister, you are advancing Georgia’s relationship with China. We highly appreciate your efforts,” said Li Qiang, Chinese State Council Premier at the meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

As the Premier of the State Council of China noted, Georgia and China would advance their bilateral relations to the strategic partnership level, which would be a milestone in the relations between China and Georgia.

“I thank you for coming to China for the opening of the Chengdu University Games and also for visiting Beijing. You are a very renowned statesman in Georgia and an old friend to the Chinese people. I know that this is the second time you are Prime Minister of Georgia. During your two terms as Prime Minister, you are advancing Georgia’s relationship with China. We highly appreciate your efforts.

Last year, our two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. And, a few days ago in Chengdu, you had an important meeting with President Xi Jinping, charting the course forward for our bilateral ties and a new era, and the deepening of the cooperation across the board between the two countries.

This afternoon, our two countries will host the Economic and Trade Forum, which I think will boost communication and coordination between our two Governments and business communities.

Our countries will also release a joint statement to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This will be an important milestone in China-Georgia relations. China is ready to work with Georgia to take this opportunity to bring our relations and cooperation to a new height,” he said.