First Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili has been appointed as the new Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Georgia for Relations with Russia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a press briefing.
“The peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia, the preservation and advancement of existing trade and economic ties, and an ongoing dialogue on humanitarian issues are among the foremost priorities of our country. In the absence of diplomatic relations, alongside the Geneva format, key significance is attached to the post of the Prime Minister’s Special Representative in carrying out these tasks,” Kobakhidze stated.
At his personal request, Giorgi Zurabashvili will concurrently retain his post at the foreign ministry; however, according to the Prime Minister, he will represent Georgia in relations with Russia in his capacity as the PM’s special envoy.
Kobakhidze underscored that this personnel decision is not tied to any new stage in relations with the Russian Federation. When asked by journalists whether the appointment signifies the beginning of a reset, the Prime Minister merely noted that Tbilisi faces concrete tasks and that active efforts are required in this direction.
“No, in reality, no new stage is beginning. Up to this point, our Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy has been operating actively. Alongside the section’s work, we saw a need to appoint an individual to this post. We have concrete objectives: the peaceful resolution of the conflict, the preservation of humanitarian ties, and the development of trade and economic relations. Active work lies ahead across all three tracks. The Geneva format exists, and work continues, the section is functioning; however, alongside this, we saw the need to once again appoint a special representative.”
When asked whether the decision was prompted by an embargo on products from certain Georgian companies, the Prime Minister replied: “No.”
“Naturally, addressing these issues is an overall priority, but this certainly did not serve as the basis for making this decision. We simply saw a general need to appoint a special representative.”
Regarding the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties with Russia, Kobakhidze stated that “there is a barrier” to this. According to him, the “reality on the ground” has not changed, and consequently, the Georgian side’s position remains unchanged. The Prime Minister was likely referring to the ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.
The post of Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Georgia for Relations with the Russian Federation had remained vacant since December of last year, when Giorgi Kadjaya stepped down. Prior to that, the post was held for 12 years by Zurab Abashidze, who conducted direct talks with Grigory Karasin within the framework of the so-called “Prague format.”
As for Giorgi Zurabashvili, he has served in state agencies since 1992 and was granted the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in 2021. Between 2014 and 2024, Zurabashvili worked in Ireland, initially as envoy and later as ambassador.
From 2005 to 2012, the diplomat headed the Protocol Department of the Government Administration of Georgia.
Notably, on June 17, 2026, in his capacity as First Deputy Foreign Minister, Zurabashvili met with the British Ambassador, who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after Georgia was mentioned in connection with expanding sanctions against “shadow fleet” vessels regarding the ship SILVAR (IMO 9291262), which, according to the embassy, had a history of calling at a Georgian port.
Zurabashvili also met with the European Union Ambassador on February 12, 2026; differing accounts of the meeting’s content were released by the embassy and the foreign ministry. According to the Georgian foreign ministry, the purpose of the meeting was “to convey Georgia’s position regarding compliance with EU-imposed restrictive measures against Russia and the country’s efforts aimed at preventing and countering sanctions evasion.”
In addition, Zurabashvili attended the meeting held at the foreign ministry following the summoning of former German Ambassador Peter Fischer.
