PM: Under no circumstances we intend to replace U.S. with China. We are ready to restore strategic partnership with U.S. and we are waiting for a response

Delivering an annual report in the parliament, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze listed the countries which had a strategic partnership with China, including Germany, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Hungary, and Greece. He said that the strategic partnership could come into conflict with European integration objectives, but such “statements were ridiculous.”

According to the PM, despite differences between China and Georgia, China viewed Georgia as an equal partner.

“We attach special significance to the relations with China. It is a valuable partner and despite differences between China and Georgia, in terms of the population and economy, a USD 20 trillion country and our economy of USD 38 billion, China views Georgia as an equal partner. This speaks to the special dignity of this state. I wish all states acted with such dignity towards states like ours. This would be my wish and call.

Also, I would like to remind you that when speaking about China in a negative context, including in terms of values. China, according to the examples of the last half-century of history, is the only peaceful superpower in the world. The only state that has not had a single war since 1979. This is valuable and brings us closer to the People’s Republic of China. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with China is a political act in its essence, and it is also related to economic cooperation. Both dimensions are equally important to us,” he said.

The PM dismissed speculations on the replacement of the U.S. with China.

“We are not speaking about replacement. You know, the previous administration suspended the strategic partnership with Georgia between the presidential elections and inauguration, and this status is still maintained. We have made numerous statements on the strategic partnership with the U.S., saying we were ready to restore a strategic partnership from a clean slate and with a concrete roadmap.

We can forget the injustice that we faced during the previous administration. Our hand is extended, and we are waiting for a response. Based on recent trends, I would like to reiterate that we remain optimistic about the restoration of our strategic partnership,” he stated.