Georgian PM introduces new Head of State Security Service

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday formally introduced Anri Okhanashvili as the new head of the State Security Service, highlighting his integrity, professional background, and loyalty to the state.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze extended his gratitude to the outgoing Head Grigol Liluashvili for his dedicated service over the past six years, commending his leadership in facing serious national challenges with professionalism and dignity.

“The past six years have been filled with exceptional challenges for our country. There were extraordinary threats that Georgia had to face. In the face of these difficult challenges, Mr. Grigol Liluashvili led the work of ensuring our country’s security with great dignity, professionalism, and integrity. I would like to once again extend my deep gratitude to Mr. Grigol Liluashvili for his contribution and the extremely important work he has carried out over the past six years”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze praised Okhanashvili’s professionalism, calling him “a true professional and a person of integrity”, emphasising that Okhanashvili had previously demonstrated strong leadership as the Chair of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee and, albeit briefly, as Minister of Justice, where he spearheaded important reforms.

“Anri Okhanashvili has loyally served the state and our national interests for years. In particular, during his tenure in the Parliament of Georgia, he chaired the Legal Affairs Committee, and later he was appointed Minister of Justice. Although his time in that position was brief, he implemented very important reforms. I am absolutely convinced that Mr. Anri Okhanashvili will be a very dignified leader of this highly important agency. He possesses all the necessary qualities to lead the State Security Service with honour - he is a true professional, a person of integrity, and these are exactly the qualities essential for the position”, Kobakhidze noted.

In response, Okhanashvili thanked the Prime Minister for the trust placed in him.

Liluashvili also extended his well wishes to Okhanashvili and his newly appointed deputies, expressing hope for their success in the Service’s future endeavors.