Georgia's new German Ambassador begins role

Georgian leader Lado Chanturia has begun his official duties as Georgia’s Ambassador to Germany.

Today is Chanturia’s first day on the job as Georgia’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze met with Chanturia at the Ministry and discussed Georgia’s relationship with Germany and its priorities. This evening he is expected to fly to Germany to begin his work abroad.

"Georgia has new ambassador in Germany [and] the process is long-lasting,” Panjikidze announced today.

"Before this it was not possible to appoint Ambassadors because the ex-President did not sign decree, Panjikidze said.

Chanturia was excited to begin his new role and said he could not imagine the future of Georgia without Europe.

"And Germany will have an important role in the creation of this future. Also, we have close relations in a number of different fields, including culture, education, science and economy,” Chanturia said.

Germany has played an important role in unifying Georgia’s processes to European standards. This support was especially important during the signing of the Association Agreement, Chanturia indicated.

Chanturia was appointed as the Georgian Ambassador to Germany in December 2013. He was a visiting professor to the University of Kiel, Institute for Eastern European Law, was Justice Minister from 1998 to 1999 and served as Chairman of the Supreme Court from 1999 to 2004. He also was the Georgian President’s advisor until 2007.