Chinese Premier urges FTA negotiation with Georgia

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili at the Dalian State Guesthouse in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, Sept 10, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

DALIAN - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili at the Dalian State Guesthouse on Thursday.

Li expressed his hope that the two countries will start the substantive negotiation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as soon as possible, so as to promote bilateral trade to a new level.

China is willing to integrate its strategies with Georgia and to take an active part in infrastructure construction including port, highway and railway, Li said.

China and Georgia have mutual respect and treat each other equally, Li said, noting that China respects the development path chosen by the people of Georgia in accordance with their own national conditions.

Li said the Chinese government supports the efforts made by Georgia's government to promote social development and is willing to see that Georgia plays more positive role in international and regional issues.

Li also said he hopes the two countries will deepen people-to-people exchanges.

Gharibashvili said Georgia and China have traditional friendship and relations with China is a priority for Georgia's foreign policy.

Georgia is willing to strengthen high-level visits, enhance economic and trade cooperation, Gharibashvili said, adding that Georgia welcomes investment from China and is willing to become a reliable partner, an investment destination and a bridge to European market of China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday met Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Dalian.

Gharibashvili and Kvirikashvili are in the northeast coastal city for the Summer Davos forum.