Chinese Vice Premier Starts Georgia Visit

Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing arrived in Tbilist late Thursday for an official visit to Georgia.

During the visit, Li is scheduled to meet with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, State Minister Giya Arsenishvili, National Assembly Speaker Zurab Zhvaniya on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

In a written statement distributed at the airport, Li expressed the confidence that Sino-Georgian friendly cooperation will move on to a new high with joint efforts from both sides.

The traditional friendship between the peoples of China and Georgia dates back to ancient times, Li said, adding that bilateral ties have kept an excellent momentum since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

Positive results have been achieved in bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science and technology, culture and world affairs, Li said.

Consolidating and developing Sino-Georgian traditional friendship and further boosting cooperation in various fields are the aspirations of both countries in the age of world multi- polarization and economic globalization, he said.

Li flew here from Uzbekistan, the first leg of his three- nation Eurasia trip which will also take him to France.






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