The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the majority ruling party of Georgia on Thursday pledged to enhance exchanges to deepen the relations between the two states.

 

"The CPC will continue to promote relations with the United National Movement Party of Georgia," said Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

 

During a meeting with David Kirkitadze, general secretary of the United National Movement Party of Georgia, Li said both countries faced the tasks of improving the national economy and living standards as well as party building.

 

The United National Movement Party, founded in 2001 by President Mikhail Saakashvili, began friendly exchanges with the CPC in 2005.

 

Li recalled Saakashvili's visit to China in April last year, saying it raised the profile of bilateral ties.

 

"Sino-Georgian relations conform with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and are their common aspiration," he said.

 

Li also expressed appreciation for the Georgian government's support to the Chinese government on the Taiwan issue.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-Georgia diplomatic ties. Kirkitadze said Georgia had made China its foreign strategy priority, and would continue to deepen cooperation between the countries and ruling parties.

 

He also said Georgia continued to observe the one-China policy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2007)