GRIGOL VASHADZE was born in Tbilisi, on 19 July 1958 to his father Nodar Vashadze and mother Elene Bakradze. In 1981 he graduated with honours from Moscow State Institute of International Relations, faculty of international law. In 1981-1988 he worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, Department of International Organisations, Department of Cosmos and Nuclear Weapons. During 1988-1990 he attended Diplomatic Academy as post-graduate student.  In 1990-2008 he was engaged in private business and headed the companies founded by himself: 'Georgia Arts Management' and 'Gregory Vashadze and BR'. On 6th February 2008 he was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. On 1st November 2008 he was appointed Minister of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport. Is married to Nino Ananiashvili, has two children: Nodar Vashadze and Elene Vashadze. Speaks Russian, English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, French Holds a diplomatic rank of Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary