Mikheil Kavelashvili has nominated Zurab Pataradze to head the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

Axar.az reports, citing Georgian media, the announcement was made on April 23, with the region’s Supreme Council—dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party—expected to approve the nomination.

Pataradze will replace Sulkhan Tamazashvili, who is set to become Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs as part of recent government changes.

Pataradze, 53, previously served as head of the Adjara government from 2016 to 2018. He is currently Georgia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan and has also held diplomatic posts in Turkiye and Kazakhstan.

Presenting the nomination alongside Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Kavelashvili highlighted Pataradze’s extensive experience in public service and diplomacy, noting that he has represented Georgia’s interests internationally.

Kobakhidze, for his part, stated that during Pataradze’s previous tenure, the foundation was laid for major infrastructure projects in the region and praised his contribution to strengthening Georgia-Azerbaijan relations.