„I once again extend my sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and His Government, and representatives of the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) for recognizing the significance of the Shota Rustaveli’s contribution to world literature and for providing this remarkable opportunity to highlight our heritage” announced Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia when delivering a keynote speech at the unveiling oc Shota Rustaveli sculpture at the Beijing Language and Culture University today.

As the Head of Government of Georgia noted, this day reaffirms our shared commitment to promoting cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and friendship between Georgia and China.

„Mr. Vice Minister of Education of China, Mr. President, Professors, Chairman, Distinguished Guests, Ambassador, Esteemed Guests, Dear scholars and students, Let me start by stating how thankful I am to H.E. President Xi Jinping for inviting me and my delegation to the People’s Republic of China and to the opening ceremony of Summer World University Games in Chengdu. I am extremely grateful for the extraordinary hospitality and warm welcome. I have to say that I am extremely pleased we are that relations between China znd Georgia will be elevated to the new, strategic partnership level.

With immense pride and joy, we gathered here today to celebrate the unveiling of the Shota Rustaveli’s sculpture at the Beijing Language and Culture University. I have to ssy that I was exceptionally touched when during meeting with President Xi he kindly referenced our great poet Shota Rustaveli in his speech.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the authorities of the University for their invaluable support and cooperation in making this momentous event possible. This occasion marks deepening of cultural and educational ties between our two nations and pays tribute to the rich literary heritage that both Georgia and China hold.

Shota Rustaveli, a renowned Georgian poet from the XII century, is celebrated as one of the greatest contributors to the world literature. His epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin is not only a masterpiece of the Georgian literature, but also a testament to the universality of friendship, wisdom, human emotions and values. A work that transcends borders, languages and centuries resonating with people around the world, including here in China.

Today’s ceremony, Dear Friends, symbolizes the willingness of our nations to embrace each other’s artistic and intellectual contributions, fostering mutual understanding and respect, and underscoring the power of literature and the arts. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and friendship between Georgia and China.

This bond already has been established and I am delighted to witness the growing enthusiasm among the Georgians for the Chinese culture and language. This rising interest forms a strong foundation for promotion of meaningful people-to-people exchanges.

In this context, I would like to emphasize the vital role played by the Confucius Institutes, which have been successfully operating in Georgia for several years, actively contributing to the spreading of the Chinese culture and language in Georgia. We are eager to continue supporting and developing this initiative.

Cooperation in higher education has long been a top priority for our countries, including advancement of learning of our ancient languages in relevant educational institutions, facilitating direct collaboration among professional, higher educational and scientific research institutions, and encouraging student and professor exchanges, among other initiatives.

During our visit, Dear Friends, we are delighted to sign a significant document in the field of education – the Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Chinese Language Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in Georgia. I believe it will greatly support our objective of deepening understanding between our nations.

I once again extend my sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and His Government, to the representatives of the Beijing Language and Culture University for recognizing the significance of the Shota Rustaveli’s contribution to world literature and for providing this remarkable opportunity to highlight our heritage. It is my hope, Dear Friends, that this sculpture will serve as an inspiration to students and faculty members of this University, encouraging them to explore the vast world of the Georgian literature, poetry and our unique language.

May this sculpture stand tall as a symbol of friendship and mutual respect; and may it serve as motivation guiding us towards a brighter and more interconnected future. Thank you very much! ” - stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Audience gathered at tgr event were also addressed by Duan Peng, President of Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU); as well as by Chen Jie, Deputy Minister of Education of China.

Members of the Georgian Delegation attended the unveiling of Shota Rustaveli’s sculpture at the Beijing Language and Culture University today.

Students performed series of art and culture gigs at the event.