Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze revealed on Thursday he had been offered the role of Ambassador of Georgia to NATO by Irakli Kobakhidze, the ruling Georgian Dream party's nominee for the premiership. Burchuladze expressed his inclination to accept the proposition.

"I want to express my gratitude to the entire team. Serving for five years has been a source of pride for me. With the change in the Prime Minister, consultations were held, and I appreciate Kobakhidze's gesture in offering the team to continue. However, after the adoption of the Defence Code, I expressed my intention to leave to Irakli Garibashvili. He requested that I postpone my decision. However, in principle, I feel that I wouldn't be able to carry out my duties effectively," Burchuladze told the press.

Following Burchuladze's decision, Irakli Chikovani, the GD MP, has been designated to succeed him, as announced by Kobakhidze on Thursday.