Your Excellency, Ambassador Ji Yanchi,

Distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be here today to celebrate with you the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

This year is especially remarkable, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our two nations. Georgia cherishes the fact that the People’s Republic of China was one of the first to recognize its independence and opened an embassy in Tbilisi in 1992, giving a strong impetus to the development of existing historical and cultural ties. I can say that Georgia is lucky to count China among its friends and partners. We highly value and attach great importance to our existing friendly and prosperous relations in various spheres.

I am delighted to note that, over these years, our partnership has grown, and continues to grow stronger in all fields possible, from trade and economy, to culture and tourism.

We have already achieved significant progress in many directions and we see many more opportunities ahead, in particular, in the context of the outstanding “Belt and Road“ initiative, as well as the most recently signed Free Trade Agreement, which we can consider a historic document and an important milestone in bringing our successful cooperation to a higher level.

It is also noteworthy to mention that Georgia joined the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as its founding member and the first ever election of its President was held in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.

I am delighted to note that China is among the three largest trade partners of Georgia and one of the top investors in our country’s economy.

I would like to underline that in the recent period, high level contacts and visits have increased considerably, both in China and in Georgia and I am convinced that it will create the necessary impetus to further boost our ties. Georgia is willing and prepared to unlock the full potential of relations with China – one of the world’s great powers and one of the largest economies.

China is playing a major role in the development of many countries in our region. In my view, this should be welcomed as China’s aims of promoting peace, stability and prosperity are shared by everyone. When it comes to working with China, there is no country in the region more open than Georgia: open to Chinese business and investment; open to the Chinese people; and open to Chinese innovation and ideas.

One of our government’s top priorities is to continue working closely together with China in developing and realizing our shared vision of the New Silk Road. In 2015, our government, together with the government of the People’s Republic of China, successfully co-organized the “Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.” I am glad to note that this year, on November 28-29, the second Tbilisi Belt & Road Forum will be held in Tbilisi.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, in closing let me say that I am fully confident that by working together, our two countries have a great deal to gain.

I would like to invite you now to join me in raising a toast to the great friendship between Georgia and China.

Ganbei !