Tamaz Borashvili introduced as new Head of Georgia’s State Security Service

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday introduced Tamaz Borashvili, the newly appointed Head of the State Security Service (SSS), to the agency’s personnel, highlighting his more than 20 years of experience within the security system.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze described the State Security Service as one of the country’s key institutions responsible for protecting national security and state interests.

“The State Security Service is one of the most important institutions responsible for protecting our state interests and our national security. Of course, each of you makes an exceptionally important contribution to this, and I would like to thank you once again for your dedicated service. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Geka Geladze for his service and for his dignified leadership of the State Security Service”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister highlighted Geladze’s personal qualities, describing him as both an outstanding professional and a conscientious person.

“I would like to emphasise Mr. Geka Geladze’s personal qualities. He is not only an outstanding professional, but is distinguished, first and foremost, by his human qualities. He is an exceptionally conscientious person, and I wish him success”, he noted.

Kobakhidze also stressed Borashvili’s long career within the security system, saying his more than two decades of experience had provided him with extensive knowledge that would help further strengthen the institution.

“Mr. Tamaz Borashvili is a career professional from within this system, which is of particular importance. When you have served in this field for more than 20 years, you naturally accumulate extensive knowledge and experience, and this is something that will greatly help the government further strengthen this institution”, the Prime Minister said.

He added that Borashvili’s consistent professional advancement reflected his qualifications and professionalism.

“Of course, every institution must constantly develop, and this applies to the State Security Service as well. He has extensive experience and has progressed consistently throughout his career. Such consistent and continuous professional advancement does not happen without merit, exceptional qualities and professionalism. Ultimately, these were the qualities that formed the basis for the team’s decision”, Kobakhidze said.

Former SSS Head Geka Geladze, for his part, thanked the Prime Minister for his support and expressed confidence in Borashvili’s ability to lead the agency.

“Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for the support and trust you have shown me over the past years. The support you provided was reflected in our daily work, and the achievements we made, whether in terms of structural, substantive or security-related improvements, are a result of that support”, Geladze said.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Tamaz Borashvili on his new position. As you know, this institution is one special family, with its own way of life and culture, and Mr. Tamaz comes from within this very environment. He has worked here for many years, and I am confident that he will lead the institution with great dignity and strengthen it even further. It was a great honour for me to work alongside you, and at the same time, I am proud to have led this very strong institution”, he added.

Borashvili thanked the Prime Minister and Parliament for the confidence placed in him and pledged to work with the SSS team to strengthen the country’s security.

“I promise that, with renewed determination and together with this strong team, we will do everything possible to strengthen the security of our country and our service, so that we can better address the challenges our country faces every day”, he said.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the personnel. There is not a single person sitting here who is a stranger to me. We have been serving our country’s security together with dignity for many years. I thank the entire staff, who work tirelessly around the clock for the well-being of our country. Thank you to Mr. Geka for his dedicated service. I wish you success in your new challenges”, Borashvili concluded.

The Parliament of Georgia approved Tamaz Borashvili as Head of the State Security Service on Wednesday with 83 votes.