Georgia is set to introduce a new position of State Minister for Regional Policy as part of a government restructuring announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Speaking at a briefing at the government administration, Kobakhidze said Mamuka Mdinaradze would be appointed to the new post while continuing to serve as deputy prime minister, News Georgia reports.

The prime minister described strengthening regional policy as one of Tbilisi’s key priorities.

Kobakhidze added that Mdinaradze will continue serving as acting Minister of Regional Development until the first week of September. During this period, the position of State Minister for Law Enforcement Affairs will be abolished in accordance with the law.

Once the new State Minister for Regional Policy position is established in September, the Ministry of Regional Development will also be abolished.

Its acting minister, Kakha Guledani, is expected to become the first deputy minister of infrastructure as part of the government changes.