Thornike Gordadze becomes new minister for Euro-integration. (Photo: Mari Nikuradze.)

TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister has become State Minister for Euro-integration.

Thornike Gordadze replaced Giorgi Baramidze, former minister for Euro-integration, who left the position in order to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 1. He is nominated as majoritarian candidate for the National Movement party in Batumi, Georgia’s port-city.

Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili presented Gordadze to employees of the ministry on Friday.

He thanked Giorgi Baramidze for all his accomplishments in the position.

Thornike Gordadze was Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister from June 25, 2010. He was responsible for relations with the EU.

“The EU and NATO are an absolute priority for Georgia’s foreign policy and this won’t change. When we speak of those priorities it’s about certain aspiration and not something abstract,” Gordadze said.

“NATO integration means security and without security it’s unbelievable to think about the future. When it comes to the EU, getting closer to the EU and EU integration will have an extremely positive influence on Georgia’s economic potential. This will attract much investment, which will create new jobs. It is also of vital importance to establish free trade and visa-free rules with the EU.”