Georgian PM claims new President will serve country with “dignity”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday highlighted the “patriotic” qualities of the country's new President, claiming he was “confident” Mikheil Kavelashvili would “serve his country with great dignity in his very important position for the next five years”.

Speaking with local media, following the presidential inaugural ceremony of Georgia’s sixth President, the head of the Government congratulated Kavelashvili on his election as the President, wishing him success. 

I would like to reiterate that the challenges [Georgia is facing] are serious, this country has not had a patriotic President for more than 20 years. Respectively, Mikheil Kavelashvili has to establish a new tradition after the 20-year break. This is a great responsibility, but I am sure Mikheil Kavelashvili will cope with this liability in the best possible way”, Kobakhidze pointed out. 

The PM added the Government and the President would “take care of protecting the national interests of the country, including in terms of foreign policy”.