Chinese Premier Meets Georgian National Assembly Speaker


Chinese Premier Meets Georgian National Assembly Speaker
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met with Georgian National Assembly Speaker Zurab Zhvaniya at Zhongnanhai, the central government compound, Wednesday afternoon.

Zhu said the Chinese Government attaches great importance to Sino-Georgian relations, which have witnessed steady and healthy progress during the past eight years since diplomatic ties were forged. He expressed the belief that through joint efforts, bilateral ties will further develop in the new century.

Zhvaniya said Georgia also highly stresses its relations with China and is willing to deepen mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples through mutually-benefical cooperation.

Zhu said China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. China will work together with the international community to seek a peaceful solution to the Abkhaz issue, he added.

He also appreciated Georgia's pursuit of the One-China Policy and its stance of not engaging in any official relations and contacts with Taiwan.

Zhvaniya said Georgia highly admires China's economic achievements. Georgia is grateful for China's support to its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to follow the One-China Policy, he said. Georgia also hopes that China would play a bigger role in world affairs and is willing to join hands with China to promote the global multi-polarization, he added.

As to economic and trade relations, Zhu expressed the hope that cooperation will increase on the basis of mutual benefit. Zhu suggested that the role of the economic and trade cooperative committee should be fully utilized and cooperative projects should be further expanded.

Zhvaniya thanked China's unconditional assistance, and said Georgia is willing to carry out cooperation with China in areas such as textile, water power and transportation.

Zhvaniya arrived in Beijing on August 10 for an official goodwill visit at the invitation of Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.



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