On the afternoon of April 11, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili in the Great Hall of the People. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest and reached broad consensus.

Hu said that bilateral traditional friendship goes back to ancient times and the ancient "Silk Road" had once linked the two peoples closely. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly. Mutual political trust between both sides has been continuously strengthened with fruitful cooperation in the economic and trade area and gradually expanded exchanges in other fields and both sides have conducted sound cooperation on the international arena. Hu pointed out that the sound and smooth development of bilateral relations is attributable to the efforts of both sides in the following three aspects. First, both sides have observed the principle that all nations, big or small, are equal, shown mutual respect and treated each other sincerely. Second, they have understood and supported each other on major issues involving their respective state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Third, they have respected each other's social system and development road chosen by themselves, not interfered in each other's internal affairs and attached great importance to developing sound and stable friendly cooperative relations of equality and mutual benefits.

Saakashvili said that China is a great country highly respected by Georgian people and has always been developing relations with other nations based on equality and mutual benefits. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both countries have maintained friendly cooperative relations in all areas and bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been steadily expanded and scored positive achievements. Georgia thanks for China's support in many aspects and will continue pursuing the one-China policy and supporting its grand cause of peaceful reunification.

Hu said that under the new situation in the new century, China would like to make joint efforts with Georgia in the following four aspects. First, to strengthen high-level exchanges and build up mutual political trust. Both sides should expand exchanges at multiple levels between their governments, legislatures and parties and establish and improve bilateral dialogue and consultation mechanism. Second, to adhere to mutual benefits and deepen economic cooperation. China would like to give top priority to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, agriculture, machinery manufacturing, communication & transportation, communications and infrastructure construction and encourage Chinese businesses to expand investment in Georgia. Both sides should give a full role to bilateral mixed committee on economy and trade and better plan and guide bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Third, to develop humanities exchanges and strengthen friendly contact. Both sides should focus on strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture & education, scientific research, health and sport and expand bilateral exchanges between the youths and non-governmental organizations of the two countries. Fourth, to strengthen multilateral consultations and keep closer international cooperation. Both sides should maintain communication, consultations and cooperation on major issues including the UN affairs, counter-terrorism, combating the "three forces" and transnational crimes and safeguard and promote regional and world peace and stability. Hu indicated belief that with bilateral cooperation in all areas conducted comprehensively, friendly cooperative relations will surely witness greater development and bring benefits to both countries and their people.

Saakashvili agreed with Hu's proposals. He said that China's reform, opening up and modernization drive have scored admirable achievements and China is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. Georgia is vigorously advancing national development and would like to learn from China's experience in reform and opening up. Georgia would like to work with China to carry forward bilateral traditional friendship, keep closer high-level exchanges and strengthen political dialogue, as well as cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, infrastructure construction, culture, education and tourism so that both countries will become good partners that rely on each other.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the Joint Statement on Further Developing Friendship and Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Georgia and they also attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on economic and technological cooperation and other cooperative documents.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for President Saakashvili's visit to China in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Uyunqimg, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Zhang Meiying, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Chen Nanxian, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Communications Li Shenglin, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Guobao, Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Wang Kaiwen and other officials attended the ceremony.