Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets Georgian PM Kobakhidze in Shanghai to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

High-Level Talks in Shanghai Cement Strategic Partnership

Shanghai, China – Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Shanghai, to advance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The meeting occurred as Prime Minister Kobakhidze attended the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), where Georgia is featured as a 'Guest of Honor'.

Premier Li emphasized China's readiness to align its development strategies with Georgia's, aiming for continuous improvement in bilateral cooperation. He called for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, and connectivity, alongside an expansion into emerging industries such as the digital economy, new energy, and artificial intelligence.

Key Areas of Enhanced Cooperation

During their discussions, Premier Li expressed China's hope that Georgia would continue to foster a favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises. Both leaders highlighted their nations' shared status as countries in the Global South, advocating for strengthened multilateral communication, coordination, and the upholding of multilateralism and free trade to safeguard the global economic and trade order.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze affirmed Georgia's commitment to maintaining close exchanges with China, leveraging the existing bilateral free trade agreement under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. He also expressed Georgia's willingness to expand cooperation and personnel exchanges, commending China's role as a responsible major country in upholding world peace and justice.

Agreements Signed and Economic Progress

Following the high-level meeting, Premier Li and Prime Minister Kobakhidze oversaw the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents. These agreements span a wide range of fields, including trade, artificial intelligence, agriculture, environmental protection, inspection and quarantine, culture, and aviation.

The discussions also touched upon the significant growth in economic ties since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2023. Data indicates a substantial increase in trade turnover and investment from China to Georgia. In the first two quarters of 2025, Chinese investments in Georgia reached $7.43 million USD, marking a 229% increase compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, the volume of containers transported through Georgia via the Middle Corridor between China and Europe saw a 70.6% increase in January-August 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring Georgia's growing importance in regional connectivity.

Mutual Support and Future Outlook

Prime Minister Kobakhidze reiterated Georgia's firm adherence to the 'One China' principle and its support for China's territorial integrity. This mutual respect and understanding form the bedrock of the deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Tbilisi. The leaders expressed confidence that the positive momentum in their relations would continue, bringing greater benefits to both peoples.