Georgian PM expresses confidence in Tamazashvili’s success as Interior Minister

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed confidence that the country's new Interior Minister Sulkhan Tamazashvili will achieve “major successes” in strengthening public security and combating crime during his tenure.

Speaking at the presentation of Zurab Pataradze as chair of the government of Adjara, Kobakhidze thanked Tamazashvili, the outgoing regional chair, for his service over the past year and praised his contribution to the region and the country.

“I would like to thank Tamazashvili for the past year, for his outstanding service and for his contribution to the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, our beautiful region, and to our country,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister wished Tamazashvili success in his new role, noting the Interior Ministry is an institution of “exceptional importance” and emphasising the challenges that remain in tackling crime.

“As you know, he has taken charge of a very important institution – the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. There were many accumulated problems, particularly in relation to crime. The fight against crime was not sufficiently effective, which was especially evident in the case of Adjara,” Kobakhidze stated.

He said that notable progress had already been made over the past year and voiced optimism that Tamazashvili’s leadership would bring further improvements.

“I am confident that during Tamazashvili’s term as minister we will achieve new and very significant successes in protecting public safety and fighting crime,” he said.