Amb. Bezhuashvili started his public sector career in 1991 at the Foreign Ministry(Georgia) where he held various positions at the International Legal Department. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Mission of Georgia to the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2005 he was appointed as the Foreign Minister. He continued his public service journey at the Defense Ministry as a Deputy and later, as a first civilian Minister of Defense. He was actively involved in security sector reforms process at the NSC and later for the last 6 years lead Intelligence Service.
Amb. Bezhuashvili graduated from the Ukrainian Institute of International Relations and International Law, Kiev State University with BA and LL.M. He also holds LL.M in the International and Comparative Law from the Southern Methodist University (SMU) School of Law. He is Edmund Muskie Fellow (1997). He completed his studies at Harvard University, JFK School of Government in 2011 and holds MPA degree. Edward S. Mason Fellow (2004).
In 1998-2000 Mr. Gela Bezhuashvili was actively involved as a national expert in cooperation with the European structures (Council of Europe and EU) on issues of international law, fight against corruption and protection of national minorities. He participated in the work of Venice Commission on constitutional issues as a national expert.
Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Ukraine's national award (2006) - I rank Order of Merit for contribution to the international policy and bilateral relations between Georgia and Ukraine. In 2007, by Order 94 of the President of Estonia, Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Order of Maarjamaa Rist (Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana) - III rank; the highest award of the Republic of Estonia. In 2013, by Decree N 01/11/04 of the President of Georgia, Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Vakhtang Gorgasal’s Order -I rank.
In 2008, the American Biographical Institute, USA has proclaimed Gela Bezhuashvili as an approved Charter Member of the Leading Intellectuals of the World for his outstanding contributions in Defense Reforms, Civilian Control over the Military, Institutional Reform of the Foreign Service and Security System Reforms in Georgia and as a distinguished member of the American Hall of Fame for his outstanding commitment, dedication and inspirational leadership. Mr. Bezhuashvili was nominated as The Man of the Year 2004 by the American Biographical Institute, USA.
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