Dimitri Shashkin, who until now served as minister for penitentiary and probation, was appointed as new Education Minister, replacing Nika Gvaramia.

PM Nika Gilauri said the replacement was related with ex-education minister’s intention to leave abroad for education purposes.

“Dimitri Shashkin has showed that he is an experienced manager,” MP Gilauri said of new education minister.

Shashkin, who joined the cabinet in February, 2009, said that “education is the country’s strategic sector.” “Much has been done in this field and reforms will further continue and be accelerated,” he added.

PM Gilauri has yet to nominate a new minister for penitentiary and probation.