Giorgi Zurabashvili appointed as Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia

New appointment and priorities

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a briefing held at the Government Administration that Giorgi Zurabashvili has been appointed as Special Representative for Relations with Russia. According to Kobakhidze, the peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia, the maintenance and development of trade and economic relations, as well as maintaining a constant dialogue on humanitarian issues are priorities for the country. The Prime Minister noted that in the absence of diplomatic relations, along with the Geneva format, this position is of key importance. 1TV+5

Giorgi Zurabashvili, who has been the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs since July 1, 2025, will continue to work at the ministry in parallel. Kobakhidze explained that this decision was Zurabashvili's initiative and request, which the government took into account. 1TV+3

Position regarding diplomatic relations

Irakli Kobakhidze rejected the notion that this appointment signifies a new stage in resetting relations with Russia. According to the Prime Minister, the restoration of diplomatic relations has its own barriers, which have not changed, and consequently, Georgia's attitude has not changed either. Kobakhidze also noted that the decision is not related to the embargo imposed by Russia on the products of individual Georgian companies. OC Media+3

The post of Special Representative had been vacant since December 2025. According to Kobakhidze, during this period, the government focused on the Interests Section of Georgia at the Swiss Embassy, which is headed by Alexandre Tsuladze, but later they saw an additional need for the existence of the position of Special Representative. Civil.ge+5