Georgian parliamentary speaker holds talks with senior Chinese official in Beijing

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has met Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during his official visit to China.

The meeting focused on the growing relationship between Georgia and China and prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Both sides highlighted what they described as significant progress in relations in recent years, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s 2023 visit to China, during which the two countries announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, the parliament press office said on Monday.

Papuashvili said Georgia and China shared a commitment to protecting national sovereignty, peace and security, as well as support for international law, equality and mutual respect in international relations.

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement said.

The discussions also covered parliamentary ties, trade and economic cooperation, tourism, education, innovation and cultural relations. Papuashvili said the free trade agreement between the two countries was an important factor in deepening cooperation.

Particular attention was given to transport, logistics and regional connectivity amid what both sides described as a turbulent global environment. The meeting also addressed Georgia’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the need to make better use of the Middle Corridor trade route linking Asia and Europe.

Papuashvili is visiting China with a parliamentary delegation that includes First Deputy Speaker Giorgi Volski, Deputy Speakers Nino Tsilosani and Sozar Subari, Foreign Relations Committee Chair Nikoloz Samkharadze and Agriculture Committee Chair Gela Samkharauli.