Georgia's ex-Economy Minister named as advisor to new Ukrainian President

Georgian businessman and former government official Kakha Bendukidze confirmed he is one of five advisors to the new Ukrainian President.

Bendukidze said the five advisors would meet once a month to make important decisions about the Ukrainian economy.

"I believe Ukraine is in a bad situation today,” he said.

"The country has economic problems. I can call on all Georgians to do their best to help it and if I personally can do something for Ukraine, I, of course, will do it.”

Ukraine's new leader Petro Poroshenko, who claimed outright victory following Sunday's Presidential election, last night announced some Georgian citizens would be among his future advisors.

"Ukraine will have a friendly relationship with Georgia and I would like to reveal the news that some Georgian citizens will be among my advisors but let’s keep their names a secret,” Poroshenko said.

After the Rose Revolution in Georgia, Bendukidze served as Georgia's Minister of Economy (June–December 2004), Minister for Reform Coordination (December 2004 - January 2008) and Head of the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia (February 2008 - February 2009).

Currently, he chairs the Supervisory Boards for Tbilisi Free University and Agricultural University of Georgia.