China and Georgia on Monday signed documents on cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Beijing.

During the visit of Garibashvili, who also attended the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China and Georgia also issued a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership.

During Monday's meeting, Li said China is willing to take the establishment of the China-Georgia strategic partnership as an opportunity to increase strategic communication and cooperation with the country in various areas.

He called on the two sides to focus on the BRI, make good use of the intergovernmental committee on economic and trade cooperation and other mechanisms, and fully unleash the dividends of the China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement.

Both sides should strengthen cooperation in cross-border e-commerce, infrastructure construction, special economic zones and industrial parks, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as digital economy and green energy, and strengthen cultural, tourism and sub-national people-to-people exchanges, Li said.

China is ready to work with Georgia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and make due contribution to world peace and development, Li said.

Garibashvili said Georgia attaches great importance to its friendship with China and is committed to strengthening cooperation with China, adding that upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership will benefit the two peoples.

Georgia abides by the one-China principle, supports the BRI and other initiatives, and is willing to cooperate more with China in terms of infrastructure, economy and trade, tourism and other fields, and strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance, Garibashvili said.

After their meeting, Li and Garibashvili witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents, including on the BRI, digital economy, intellectual property and education.

(With input from Xinhua)