Ex-ambassador to Azerbaijan takes helm of Adjara Autonomous Republic

Former Georgian ambassador to Azerbaijan Zurab Pataradze has been approved as head of the government of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, following a majority vote in the region’s legislature.

According to Azerbaijani media, Pataradze’s candidacy was endorsed during a session of the Supreme Council of Adjara, where members of the autonomous republic’s government were also confirmed.

Ahead of the vote, Pataradze addressed lawmakers and presented his program, emphasising that all key projects currently underway in Adjara would be continued under his leadership.

The appointment follows a recent leadership change. The previous head of the regional government, Sulkhan Tamazashvili, was appointed Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs on April 21.

Pataradze brings prior experience to the role, having previously served as head of the Adjara government from 2016 to 2018. Since August 2018, he has held the post of Georgia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan.

The Georgian government nominated Pataradze for the position on April 23, leading to his confirmation by the regional legislature.

By Tamilla Hasanova