China in the South Caucasus and Kazakhstan (8-14 June)

Georgia

 Georgia and China sign comprehensive strategic partnership agreement

9 June

According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia and China are moving to the stage of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He stated that the corresponding agreement was signed on June 9.

Kobakhidze noted that the strategic partnership agreement signed three years ago contributed to the deepening of political, economic, and trade ties between the two countries. According to the Prime Minister, the new stage will further strengthen Georgian-Chinese cooperation and create additional opportunities in economic, transport, and humanitarian directions.

He also added that in recent years, visa-free travel was introduced between Georgia and China, the number of direct flights increased, and trade and economic relations expanded, which became the foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation.

 

Mikheil Kavelashvili and Xi Jinping exchange congratulatory letters on 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations

9 June

Regarding the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili and the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory letters.

In the congratulatory letters exchanged on June 9, the leaders noted that over the past 34 years, bilateral ties have developed on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and constructive cooperation, which ensured significant progress in various directions.

According to the parties’ assessment, a special dynamic was given to the relations after the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2023, which further deepened political trust and expanded practical cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, connectivity, culture, education, and people-to-people ties.

Mikheil Kavelashvili stated that Georgia attaches great importance to relations with China and is ready to further deepen the partnership, which will contribute to the development of both countries and the well-being of their peoples.

For his part, Xi Jinping noted that China always views relations with Georgia from a long-term strategic perspective, and the formation of a new format, a comprehensive strategic partnership, will give additional momentum to bilateral cooperation and further strengthen traditional friendship.

According to the parties’ assessment, the decision made to elevate Georgia-China relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and create additional benefits for the people of the two countries.



 

Foreign Ministry marks 34th anniversary of Georgia-China diplomatic relations

9 June

On June 9, an event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and China was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian. It was noted at the event that, by decision of the countries’ leaders, relations between Georgia and China have moved to the stage of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The parties emphasized the friendly relations established over recent decades and the importance of cooperation in economic, cultural, and educational fields.

 

Ambassador Zhou Qian: “Middle Corridor” and “Belt and Road Initiative” are important for Georgia and Europe-China connectivity

9 June

For the People’s Republic of China, Georgia is an important partner of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. The Ambassador of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian, stated this at a joint briefing held on June 9 with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili.

According to him, the “Middle Corridor” and the “Belt and Road Initiative” play an important role not only at the regional but also at the global level, contributing to the strengthening of stable transport and economic ties between Europe and China.

The Ambassador focused on recent events in the Middle East and Iran and noted the special importance of alternative land routes, particularly in crisis situations.

Zhou Qian noted that one of the pillars of China’s diplomacy is relations with developing countries, and partnership with Georgia occupies a special place in this context. According to him, Tbilisi and Beijing share a common vision regarding the international order, which is based on the principles of the UN Charter and the protection of justice.

According to the Ambassador’s assessment, cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual benefit. He stated that China is open to Georgian products, while Georgia benefits from the opportunity to gain experience and technological innovations from China, as one of the leaders in the global economy and innovation. The briefing also focused on the tourism sector and the deepening of people-to-people ties.

 

Meeting between law enforcement agencies of Georgia and China

12 June

On June 12, a delegation from the Department of Public Security of Guizhou Province of the People’s Republic of China paid a working visit to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

According to the agency, the delegation was led by Yang Zhuo, Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Security of Guizhou Province. Within the framework of the visit, they met with the Deputy Ministers of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Sakhokia and Shalva Tadumadze. The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, Vazha Siradze.

The parties discussed the existing cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries and also reviewed the prospects for further expanding current ties, including in the field of police education.

As part of the working visit, the delegation visited the Public Security and Police Academy, where the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation. The agreement entails the implementation of joint educational projects, as well as the sharing of experience and best practices.

During the visit, the guests also visited the Expertise-Criminalistic Department, where the members of the delegation received information about the specifics of the unit’s activities and toured the existing forensic laboratories.

 

Natia Turnava meets Governor of the People’s Bank of China

12 June

During meetings in Shanghai, on June 12, the Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, Natia Turnava, met with the Governor of the Central Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng.

During the meeting, attention was focused on the current state of financial and economic cooperation between the two countries and the opportunities for its strengthening. The parties reviewed the results of the memorandum signed last year and noted that the dynamics of cooperation have increased following the document.

Natia Turnava emphasized that Georgia-China economic relations are developing steadily, which creates additional opportunities for expanding cooperation in the financial sector. Trade and economic ties were also discussed at the meeting.

It was noted that China remains one of Georgia’s main partners, which is reflected in the volume of foreign trade, as well as in the growth trends of investments and tourism. In conclusion, the parties expressed their readiness to continue active cooperation with the aim of further deepening economic and financial relations.

 

Natia Turnava meets ICBC President

13 June

During the symposium held in Shanghai, Natia Turnava, the President of the National Bank of Georgia, met with Lin Liao, the President of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of China’s largest financial institutions, on June 13.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the existing cooperation between the National Bank of Georgia and ICBC and the opportunities for its further development. The conversation also touched upon deepening the partnership in trading Chinese securities and investing in the Chinese bond market. Additionally, attention was focused on current trends in international financial markets and future prospects.

ICBC is one of the largest banks in China and the world, with total assets reaching approximately $7.6 trillion. The financial institution operates in 49 countries and is considered one of the leading players in the global banking sector.

The bank is also actively involved in investment banking services, particularly in the primary and secondary markets of government bonds of developing countries.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and China strengthening scientific and academic cooperation

10 June

On June 10, the Deputy Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Hasan Hasanli, met with a delegation from Xi’an Shiyou University of China. At the official meeting, the parties summarized the existing partnership between the two countries and outlined future initiatives.

The main focus was placed on deepening ties between the Chinese educational institution and higher education institutions of Azerbaijan, activating exchange programs for students and academic staff, and prospects for implementing joint scientific-research projects.

Within the framework of the same visit, the Chinese delegation also visited Baku State University. At the working meeting held with the management of the higher education institution, the parties discussed specific ways of strengthening bilateral academic cooperation and developing partnerships between the universities.

 

Azerbaijan-China trade exceeds $1.5 billion

11 June

In January-April of the current year, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China increased by 6.1% compared to the same period last year and amounted to 1.514 billion dollars. Trend News Agency published this data on June 11.

According to the review, China is among Azerbaijan’s four largest trading partners, accounting for 8.7% of the country’s total trade turnover. During the reporting period, exports from Azerbaijan to China increased significantly and reached 40.0 million dollars, while imports from China exceeded 1.47 billion dollars.

Overall, during the same period, Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade increased to 17.4 billion dollars, as a result of which the country recorded a positive trade balance of 6.35 billion dollars.

In addition to trade relations, bilateral economic cooperation actively includes the energy, finance, and transport sectors, where special attention is paid to strategic projects for the development of the “Middle Corridor”.

 

Azerbaijan expands food exports to China

12 June

On June 12, Azerbaijan and China signed a package of agreements aimed at expanding the export of Azerbaijani agri-food products to the Chinese market. The documents were signed during a visit to China led by Goshgar Tahmazli, Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan.

The parties discussed expanding market access for Azerbaijani agricultural and food products, promoting safe and efficient trade, implementing digital solutions, and the mutual recognition of certification processes. Three protocols were also signed, regulating the export rules for wild aquatic bioresources, aquaculture products, and poultry meat to China.

During the visit, the sides discussed strengthening food safety control and risk-based inspection systems, as well as deepening cooperation with China’s customs and regulatory authorities. The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral agro-transport and economic cooperation.

Armenia

Chinese investment in Armenian media

13 June

The Public Television of Armenia, with the support of China, is building a new, modern broadcasting studio. Information about this is reported by the Chinese media agency People’s Daily.

According to Ruben Shahinyan, the head of strategic programs at the television company, the main goal of the project is to increase its own television content and transform the channel into a modern media hub. According to the project, the total area of the new complex exceeds 7,100 square meters, of which 1,000 square meters will be dedicated specifically to the filming set.

The construction work underway in the Nork-Marash district of Yerevan is being carried out by Chinese companies “China Jiangsu International” and “Nanjing Lopu”. According to Pan Song, the head of the engineering team, the structural part of the building is already completed. Notably, the visual concept of the complex blends elements of traditional Chinese courtyards and Armenian architecture.

According to both sides, this technological initiative will significantly improve the quality of Armenian television broadcasting and lay the foundation for a new stage of cultural exchange and partnership between the two countries.

Kazakhstan

 

Kazakhstan and Jiangsu Province deepen economic cooperation

14 June

The First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Nurlybek Nalibayev, met with Xin Changxing, the Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee, on June 14. The parties discussed the deepening of regional and investment cooperation.

Nalibayev named China as Kazakhstan’s main economic partner and noted the high industrial potential of Jiangsu Province. Attention was focused on cooperation in the fields of industry, innovation, logistics, and the digital economy.

The Chinese side emphasized the transit importance of Kazakhstan on the China-Europe route and expressed readiness to expand direct business contacts. It was also noted that the “Central Asia-Jiangsu Center” could become an important platform for investment and technology exchange.

 

Tokayev congratulates Xi Jinping on his birthday

15 June

On June 15, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, congratulated the President of China, Xi Jinping, on his birthday and sent an official congratulatory telegram.

Tokayev particularly emphasized the Chinese leader’s personal contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership existing between the two countries. According to him, relations between Beijing and Astana are firmly based on friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual support.

At the end of the congratulatory letter, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that the multifaceted Kazakhstan-China partnership will continue to expand in the future and rise to a new, even higher level.

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