The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC).

Both sides noted that bilateral relations between Georgia and China are developing dynamically across a range of areas, as reflected in the high-level visits taking place between the two countries.

Shalva Papuashvili expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for its support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to the One China Principle. Both sides noted that, in today’s unstable world, support for the fundamental principles of international law is assuming ever greater importance.

Shalva Papuashvili stated that the Georgian Parliament attaches great importance to parliamentary diplomacy. In this regard, cooperation between the Georgian Parliament and China’s National People’s Congress is developing successfully.

Both sides confirmed their readiness to deepen inter-parliamentary ties, including through the development of cooperation between parliamentary administrations, sectoral committees and friendship groups.

According to the Georgian Parliament, the sides discussed avenues for bilateral cooperation, including in trade and economics, tourism, modern technology, culture and education. It was noted that China is among Georgia’s four largest trading partners, a relationship significantly facilitated by the free trade regime in place between the two countries.

The meeting also highlighted Chinese investment in Georgia. Shalva Papuashvili stated that Chinese companies are actively participating in ongoing infrastructure and construction projects in Georgia.

Cooperation in the tourism sector was likewise discussed. It was noted that direct flights between Georgia and China are boosting tourist arrivals, helping to strengthen people-to-people ties. The meeting also highlighted Georgia’s significant transport and transit potential.

Attention was drawn to Georgia’s transport and transit potential. Shalva Papuashvili spoke of the potential of the Middle Corridor and the importance of cooperation with China in this regard. He stated that, against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, the Middle Corridor represents the most effective alternative to the traditional Northern Corridor.

Both sides agreed to continue their dialogue. The Chinese side confirmed its readiness to share expertise with Georgia across a range of areas.
The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Georgia.

The meeting took place during Shalva Papuashvili’s official visit to the People’s Republic of China. The delegation, led by the Speaker of Parliament, comprises: First Deputy Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and Head of the Georgia-China Parliamentary Friendship Group Giorgi Volski; Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nino Tsilosani; Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sozar Subari; Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Nikoloz Samkharadze; and Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Gela Samkharauli.