The Prime Minister of Georgia introduced new Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani to the Ministry’s staff today. The new Defense Minister was greeted at the Ministry by ex-Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, who congratulated him on his appointment to a new position and wished him success.

The meeting at the Defense Ministry was attended by Chief of the Defense Forces Giorgi Matiashvili, his deputies, commanders, and heads of the departments of the General Staff and the structural units of the Civil Office.

Irakli Kobakhidze thanked the representatives of the Defense Forces for their honorable service and loyalty to the country, and pledged assistance to every soldier. He pointed out the vast political and professional experience of the new Minister and expressed the hope that Chikovani, in cooperation with the Defense Forces, will successfully continue the plans and reforms defined by the Ministry. Kobakhidze thanked ex-Minister Juansher Burchuladze for his service and wished him success.

Yesterday, as a result of the vote of confidence given by the Parliament of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani was appointed as Defense Minister in the new composition of the Government. In 2020-2023, he served as Member of the 10th Convocation of the Parliament from the Majoritarian Electoral District of Zugdidi, also holding the position of Deputy Parliament Speaker. In 2012-2016, Irakli Chikovani was Member of the 8th Convocation of the Parliament from the party list of the Bidzina Ivanishvili-Georgian Dream electoral bloc. He graduated from Tbilisi Ivane Javakhishvili State University, majoring in law, also from NATO Defense College. Irakli Chikovani has years-long experience working at the Defense Ministry.