Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (R) meets with Nikoloz Gilauri, prime minister of Georgia, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 26, 2010. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei]

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang on Tuesday pledged to further economic and trade cooperation with Georgia.

During a 40-minute meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Nikoloz Gilauri at Zhongnanhai, Beijing, Zhang hailed current political and trade ties between China and the Caucasus state.

China attached importance to long-lasting stable relations with Georgia, and would work with Georgia to enhance exchanges and cooperation in politics, trade, economy and people-to-people contacts, Zhang said.

Gilauri applauded the Georgian-Chinese ties, saying it "is really at a high level and Georgia appreciates such a relationship."

He welcomed Chinese investors and encouraged the two sides to tap potential in logistics, rail, aviation and tourism. He also recommended Georgian government bonds.

Gilauri is visiting China for the National Pavilion Day of Georgia at the Shanghai World Expo on Thursday.