Outgoing Defence Minister says he is considering taking up Georgia’s NATO Ambassador role

Juansher Burchuladze, the outgoing Defence Minister, on Thursday said he had received an offer from Irakli Kobakhidze, the candidate for the position of the Prime Minister of Georgia, to consider taking up the position of the country’s Ambassador to NATO.

I received an offer - for which I thank the new Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze - to consider the position of Georgian Ambassador to NATO. I will probably accept this position, although I have time to think”, Burchuladze said.

The Minister said Kobakhidze had offered the “entire team” to stay in their positions, but added he had felt the desire to leave his position after the adoption of the new Defence Code last year.

Burchuladze thanked the outgoing Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili for the opportunity of working with him and called his term at the Ministry a “very successful period” and a “proud five years” in his life.

I am very proud and want to thank each and every soldier”, he added.

Burchuladze also noted he would now take a break after “13 years in public service” to consider his potential career as Ambassador to NATO.​