Prime Minister Introduces New Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, February 12, 2024
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze introduced the new Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, to the agency's employees. Upon his arrival at the Ministry of Defense, Chikovani was welcomed by former Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze, who congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success.
Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to the representatives of the Defense Forces for their honorable service and loyalty to the country, promising support to every soldier. The Prime Minister highlighted the new minister's extensive political and professional experience, expressing hope for successful cooperation with the defense forces in continuing the agency's plans and reforms. He also thanked former Minister Juansher Burchuladze for his service and wished him success.
"I met with representatives of the Ministry of Defense, as well as representatives of the Defense Forces. I expressed gratitude to Juansher Burchuladze for his work and introduced the new minister, Irakli Chikovani. We discussed issues related to the development of defense capabilities and strengthening of defense resources. It is important and a great honor for me that the first meeting in my capacity as Prime Minister took place in the Ministry of Defense, alongside representatives of the Defense Forces," said Irakli Kobakhidze.
The new Minister of Defense, Irakli Chikovani, expressed his respect and support for the Georgian army. He emphasized that the Ministry's team will remain dedicated to the strategic goals of the Ministry of Defense and to further strengthening the Defense Forces. Chikovani also thanked former Defense Minister Burchuladze for his service to Georgia.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to Juansher Burchuladze, the former minister. During his tenure, along with Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, many positive changes were implemented, significantly enhancing our defense capabilities.
Let me emphasize that both the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Forces have a clear vision of how to develop our defense capabilities. We have outlined plans for both the short and medium term," said Chikovani.
The meeting at the Ministry of Defense was attended by Major general Giorgi Matiashvili, Commander of the Defense Forces, along with his deputies, commanders, department heads of the General Staff, and leaders of structural units of the Civil Office.
