“It is absolutely clear that our strategic partnership with China is not merely a partnership on paper, but one that is reflected in tangible benefits for both countries. This is exactly what an exemplary strategic partnership between two nations should look like - one based on mutual respect, fairness, and dignity, and focused on mutual benefit,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said.

According to him, the Chinese government treats Georgia as an equal partner, which is particularly noteworthy and commendable against the backdrop of the flaws that characterize today’s global politics.

“As you know, yesterday the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China was signed. This is an event of exceptional importance for our country, both politically and economically.

Since the Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed three years ago, relations between the two countries have developed very dynamically.

In just the past six months, visits to China were made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Speaker of Parliament, and five ministers. Each of these visits was focused on achieving concrete results. Overall, since 2023, 14 major international agreements have been signed between Georgia and China, while six additional agreements are in the final stage of consideration.

Trade turnover between Georgia and China increased by 17% in 2024, by 21% in 2025, and by 45% in January-April 2026.

Today, China ranks third among Georgia’s trading partners in total trade volume and second in terms of exports of Georgian-produced goods.

Notably, during January-April of this year, exports of Georgian products to China tripled compared to the same period last year.

Last November, an agreement was signed to further deepen the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China.

Last year, Georgia was invited as the guest of honor to the China International Import Expo.

At the end of 2023, Georgia and China exchanged international freight transportation permits for the first time, facilitating the development of road transport links between the two countries.

In 2024, the governments of Georgia and China signed a memorandum on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for the China-Europe Railway Express.

As a result of these and other measures, the number of containers transported through the Middle Corridor to and from China reached a historic maximum in 2025.

The deepening of trade and economic relations with China is directly contributing to the development of Georgia’s economy and domestic production.

Following the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, a mutual visa-free travel regime for Georgian and Chinese citizens came into force in 2023-2024.

The introduction of visa-free travel gave an additional boost to direct flights and significantly increased passenger traffic between Georgia and China.

The number of Chinese visitors to Georgia increased by 83% in 2024, by 44% in 2025, and by 49% in the first quarter of this year.

Three Chinese airlines are already operating in the Georgian market.

Last year, Air China launched the Beijing-Urumqi-Tbilisi route. Starting in July, China Southern will add a similar service, while from July 15, China Eastern will begin direct flights between Shanghai and Tbilisi.

It is also noteworthy that this year one of Asia’s largest tourism exhibitions, ITB China in Shanghai, was opened alongside Georgia’s national stand, demonstrating the special attention the Chinese side pays to Georgia.

Partnership between the education ministries of Georgia and China has also deepened significantly.

A memorandum is being prepared that will support cooperation and exchange programs between Georgian and Chinese universities and colleges, introduce joint youth programs, expand Chinese-language education in Georgia, and more.

This is only a partial list of the results that Georgia has achieved through its strategic partnership with China. It is completely evident that this is not a strategic partnership on paper but one that brings concrete benefits to both countries. This is what a model strategic partnership should be - based on mutual respect, fairness, and dignity, and focused on mutual benefit.

Although the People’s Republic of China is a superpower of enormous scale, the Chinese authorities have developed cooperation with us in a very short time and with maximum efficiency. What is especially commendable is that the Chinese government treats our country as an equal partner, which stands out and deserves recognition amid the shortcomings of today’s global politics.

We emphasize that Georgia attaches special importance to further deepening cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, which, based on the experience of the past 50 years, is the only peaceful superpower in the world. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese authorities for their unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement will lay the foundation for a new stage in the development of Georgian-Chinese relations, bringing significant political and economic benefits to our country.

I would like to thank every member of the governmental and parliamentary teams whose work contributed to this important achievement for our country. Special thanks go to Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, and Minister of Education, Science and Youth Givi Mikanadze for their efforts. I also thank President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement on behalf of the Georgian state.

Special thanks also go to our Chinese partners, particularly President Xi Jinping, who signed the agreement with Georgia. I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China and our partner ministers. I am grateful to China’s Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, whose personal efforts and support made a major contribution to elevating Georgian-Chinese relations first to the level of a strategic partnership and now to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Once again, I would like to stress that the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with China is an event of exceptional importance that will bring tangible benefits to our country in many areas,” Kobakhidze stated.