Georgian PM thanks outgoing Interior Minister for years of ‘dedicated service’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday thanked Vakhtang Gomelauri for his years of dedicated service, following the latter’s resignation as Minister of Internal Affairs.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Kobakhidze praised Gomelauri’s contributions to national security and highlighted his role in preventing multiple destabilisation attempts.

“Gomelauri has served the state faithfully and with dignity all these years,” the Prime Minister said. “His decision to step down was entirely his own. While it was disappointing for us, we understood and respected his choice.”

According to Kobakhidze, Gomelauri submitted his resignation a few days earlier, citing the heavy demands of his long-standing roles in government. He described the outgoing minister as a senior figure in the cabinet, having served not only as Interior Minister but also as Head of the State Security Service and Vice Prime Minister over the past decade.

“Of course, this is not an easy task - it requires a great deal of energy,” Kobakhidze noted. “He assumed leadership of the ministry in a very difficult situation and quickly introduced reforms. Throughout these years, he worked with professionalism and a strong sense of duty.”

The Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on Gomelauri’s role in “maintaining political stability,” crediting him with helping to prevent “four attempted revolutions” in the past four years.

“His contribution to the suppression of those attempts was critical,” Kobakhidze said. “For that, he deserves special thanks. He is a special man - a loyal servant of the state.”

Concluding his remarks, Kobakhidze extended his personal gratitude and well wishes, saying “Vakhtang is our friend. I wish him success in everything he does moving forward.”