We see a relationship with China based on the principles of equality and partnership—unlike with Brussels -Shalva Papuashvili

According to the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, the visit of the Vice President of China to Georgia confirms that Georgia is strengthening its position in its relations with international partners.

As Papuashvili told journalists in Prague, Georgia’s relationship with China is founded on the principles of equality and mutual respect—an approach that, in his view, differs from that of the European Union. "The first visit by the Vice President of China to the region—including to Georgia—serves as confirmation that Georgia is moving forward and growing stronger. This is a direct result of our government’s policy: Georgia is securing a strong position, both within the region and in its relations with global partners.

Despite differences in geography, economic scale, political weight, or influence, China has never displayed the kind of attitude we see coming from Brussels. In our relationship with China, we see a foundation built on the principles of equality and partnership—unlike the approach from Brussels, which attempts to impose various political decisions upon us through an arrogant demeanor and by lecturing us," stated Papuashvili.

He further noted that the relationship between China and Georgia has already taken on a strategic character and serves as a model for international cooperation.

According to Papuashvili, the foreign policy of the current European Union leadership is immature and shortsighted—a fact that has caused Europe to lose its proper role in significant international processes. "Negotiations are set to begin today in Abu Dhabi. The European Union talks a great deal about needing to be at the negotiating table, yet it is clear that they will not be there. This is the result of the immature and shortsighted foreign policy pursued by the EU’s current leadership.

Ultimately, the situation has reached a point where there is not a single major power left on the global stage that takes the European Union seriously. Today, discussions regarding European security will take place without the participation of the European Union," stated Papuashvili.

According to him, Georgia should not blindly follow the European Union’s foreign policy advice, as—in Papuashvili’s assessment—this very policy has led the European Union itself into a difficult situation.