Georgian PM replaces FM, appoints former minister as ambassador to U.S

TBILISI. April 4 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has relieved David Zalkaliani of duties as the deputy prime minister and foreign minister and appointed him as the Georgian ambassador to the United States.

"I would like to thank David Zalkaliani for the job he has done. The United States is our most significant strategic partner, so the appointment of David Zalkaliani to this position will promote a higher level of relations with the U.S.," Garibashvili said at a press briefing on Monday.

Former chief of the Georgian government office, former ambassador to Poland Ilya Darchiashvili has become the new foreign minister, he said.