Visa-free pact with Georgia to promote cooperation, travel

China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that the mutual visa exemption agreement signed with Georgia will further promote cross-border travels and enhance communication and cooperation at various fronts for the two countries.

Travelers from both sides reached by the Global Times expressed excitement about the move on Thursday, expecting to revisit and further explore each other’s country.

Saba Kumaritashvili, a Georgian luger who competed in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday that he would love to revisit China after the implementation of the policy, as he left the country with a very positive impression, adding that previously it was hard for Georgians to obtain visas to travel to China.

Kumaritashvili said that he was amazed and fascinated with Chinese culture and the Chinese people, as his stay in China during the Beijing Winter Olympics was awesome, and he praised Chinese volunteers for their hospitality and positive attitude.

Economic exchanges and friendship with the Chinese people are very important for Georgia, Tamta Peikrishvili, a visiting Georgian TV producer, told the Global Times on Thursday. She expected the mutual visa exemption policy to boost bilateral trade, represented by popular Georgian products such as red wine.

Chinese travelers who visited Georgia said that they would love to revisit the country.

Li Li, a Beijing resident who traveled to Georgia in 2023, highlighted the warm-hearted locals, scenic spots with hiking activities and delicacies including red wine. She noted that the overall cost was relatively affordable, compared with some other European countries.

The signing of the agreement is another move showcasing China’s continuous efforts in promoting high-quality opening-up to attract more foreign visitors and deepen international cooperation.