27:47
Georgia's strategic importance lies not only in its location in the Caucasus between Eastern Europe and West Asia but also in its pro-business approach and pragmatic, rational and constructive foreign policy. The country is also world-famous for its wine and stunning natural landscape. Since its independence in 1992, Georgia has been committed to deepening trade and economic relations with China. In this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Zou Yun talks to Irakli Garibashvili, prime minister of Georgia, who attended the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Garibashvili says 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. He commends President Xi's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and he welcomes China's peace plan to solve the Ukraine crisis.