(September 29, 2016, Hualing Preference Hotel)

Your Excellency, Ambassador Ji Yanchi,

Distinguished Representatives of Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a real pleasure to be here today and celebrate the 67th anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China.

Relations between Georgia and China – from trade to cultural exchange – date back millennia, and today, the People’s Republic of China is a trusted and valued partner for Georgia.

This year especially we have much to celebrate. In a sign of our deepening relations, we welcomed in June Mr Zhang Gao Li, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia, the first official visit on such a high level. And of course, we signed a historic free trade agreement which is set to boost exchanges between our countries.

China is already a top investor in Georgia, and we are proud to be the first country in the South Caucasus to have started free-trade relations with China. This historic agreement will facilitate business and trade turnover in both our countries, and importantly will also benefit our citizens.

Free trade between Georgia and China will reinforce our already strong partnership in the context of the “One Belt – One Road” project, a Chinese initiative which we greatly appreciate. This modern revival of the Silk Road is already bringing our countries closer and realizing Georgia’s immense potential to serve as the gateway from Europe to China and vice-versa.

It is one of our government’s top priorities to continue working closely together with China in developing and realizing our shared vision of the New Silk Road.

So, as I said, we have a lot to celebrate. Let me therefore propose a toast, to China on your national day, and to the great friendship between Georgian and China.

Ganbei (Cheers) !