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Grigol VashadzeMinister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
Date of Birth: 19.07.1958
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Education and Early Career
- Business Ventures and Marriage
- Return to Georgia and Political Career
- Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Personal Life
Education and Early Career
Grigol Vashadze, also known as Grigoriy or Gia, was born on July 19, 1958. He graduated from Tbilisi Secondary School No. 61 in 1975. Vashadze's education included graduating from the international faculty of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in 1981. He served in the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1981 to 1988, specializing in international organizations and nuclear disarmament.
Business Ventures and Marriage
After leaving diplomacy, Vashadze resided in Moscow and New York. In 1988, he married renowned ballerina Nino Ananiashvili. Vashadze became his wife's impresario and was involved in her artistic endeavors for over two decades. He also founded and managed the companies Georgia Arts Management and Gregori Vashadze and BR.
Return to Georgia and Political Career
In 2004, Ananiashvili became director of the Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater, and the couple moved to Georgia. Vashadze obtained Georgian citizenship in 2007. He served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia from February to November 2008.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In December 2008, Vashadze was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. His appointment was notable due to his possession of both Georgian and Russian citizenship. As Foreign Minister, Vashadze sought to strengthen ties with Russia while maintaining Georgia's independence. He remained in this position until the present day.
Personal Life
Vashadze is a polyglot, fluent in seven or eight languages. He is an avid art collector, theater enthusiast, and operatic tenor. He enjoys cooking and has a daughter, Elena, with Ananiashvili.
