Georgian parliamentary speaker holds talks with Chinese legislature chairman

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has met Zhao Leji during his official visit to China, with the two sides discussing political, economic and parliamentary cooperation.

The Georgian parliament’s press service said on Monday both sides noted that bilateral relations between Georgia and China were developing dynamically across multiple sectors, including through high-level visits.

Papuashvili thanked the Chinese side for its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to the One China principle.

The two sides also stressed the importance of supporting the fundamental principles of international law amid what they described as growing global instability.

Papuashvili said the Georgian parliament attached significant importance to parliamentary diplomacy and noted that cooperation between Georgia’s parliament and China’s National People’s Congress had been developing successfully.

The discussions covered further expansion of parliamentary ties, including cooperation between parliamentary administrations, sectoral committees and friendship groups.

The meeting also focused on trade, economic relations, tourism, technology, culture and education. According to the Georgian side, China is among Georgia’s four largest trading partners, with the free trade regime playing an important role in strengthening economic cooperation.

Particular attention was given to Chinese investments in Georgia, with Papuashvili stating that Chinese companies were actively involved in infrastructure and construction projects in the country.

The two sides also discussed tourism cooperation, noting that direct flights between Georgia and China were helping increase tourist flows and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Transport and transit connectivity featured prominently in the talks. Papuashvili highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor route and described it as the most effective alternative to the traditional northern corridor amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The parties agreed to continue dialogue and deepen cooperation further. The Chinese side also expressed readiness to share experience with Georgia in various sectors.

During the meeting, Papuashvili invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Georgia.

The Georgian delegation accompanying the parliamentary speaker 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.