Han Zheng, Vice President of China, arrived in Georgia on November 6 for an official visit, planning to meet with Georgian leaders before heading to Turkey for a UN climate summit. The visit comes amid efforts by Tbilisi and Beijing to strengthen bilateral relations, with Georgian officials describing Zheng as the highest-ranking Chinese official ever to visit Georgia.
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili welcomed Zheng and the accompanying Chinese delegation at the Tbilisi International Airport. Zheng is scheduled to meet with Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili.
“It is noteworthy that this is the first time a guest of this level from China has visited Georgia, and this will provide us with the best opportunity to discuss at the highest level the dynamics of relations between Georgia and China, as well as the opportunities and potential for developing ties between the two countries, particularly in the economic sphere,” Botchorishvili said in a media remark.
She described the visit as important not only for Georgia “but for the entire region,” saying the talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations across “various areas.” Botchorishvili also said the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss prospects for expanding economic cooperation with representatives of the business community.
Following his visit to Georgia, the Chinese VP is expected to travel to Turkey to attend the Antalya Leaders’ Summit during the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where he will represent Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Georgia and China elevated their bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” in June. The upgrade followed the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2023.
More to follow…
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