US Ambassador on Georgian cabinet reshuffle: “We support optimisation of governance”

The United States support changes that serve to optimise the governance of Georgia, says US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly.

Kelly’s comment came after the Government of Georgia announced a major reshuffle, where several ministries have been merged.

"Generally, we support the motive that stands behind these changes. This is to optimise the governance. We are also looking forward to meeting the new ministers”, Kelly said.

He added that he does know these people and is now looking forward to continue cooperation with them in their new roles.

After the reshuffle, there are two new names in the Georgian Cabinet: Mikheil Chkhenkeli as Education Minister and Mamuka Bakhtadze as Finance Minister.

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Georgia, Janos Herman, has also commented on the recent changes.

He thanked the previous ministers for their "productive cooperation” and congratulated the new officials on their new position.

"We should ensure that these structural changes do not affect the level and quality of relations between Georgia and the EU. I am sure that the purpose of the Georgian Government is the same”, he said.

• Click here to see what exactly is changing in the government.