Georgia

President Xi Jinping on Friday called on China and Georgia to see their establishment of a strategic partnership as a new start to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, thus providing a boost to their respective rejuvenation.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with visiting Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The two countries will issue a joint statement on establishing the China-Georgia strategic partnership during Garibashvili's visit, Xi said.

Xi said China and Georgia should strengthen exchanges between governments and political parties, promote experience sharing in governance and administration, and better understand and support each other on issues concerning their core interests.

He encouraged the two countries to be good friends and partners with mutual respect, mutual trust and equality.

China and Georgia should carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields and promote mutual understanding between their peoples, Xi said.

The Chinese president expressed readiness to work with Georgia to give more play to governmental cooperation mechanisms and push forward high-quality Belt and Road Initiative building.

China welcomes more quality exports from Georgia and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Georgia, he said.

Noting that the Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity, Xi also said that China is willing to work with Georgia, as well as the international community, to jointly address global challenges and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Garibashvili said the elevation of the two nations' bilateral relationship is of important significance and will bring more opportunities to his country.

He expressed hopes of deepening cooperation in trade, economy and other sectors with China so as to better benefit the two peoples.

The Georgian prime minister also appreciated China's valuable support for his country and its respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence.

Georgia firmly upholds the one-China policy and will actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, he added.

MO JINGXI