Related items

• Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili writes a message in condolence book at UK Embassy

  Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili visited the Embassy of the United Kingdom. The Head of Government wrote a message in the condolence book opened following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and extended his sympathy to UK Ambassador Mark Clayton.

  “On behalf of the Government of Georgia and that of my own, let me express the most sincere condolences of the Royal Family and people of the United Kingdom for the loss of the Queen Elizabeth II.

  “We applaud to Her Majesty’s outstanding contribution to the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and the whole world. She has created an epoch, leaving examples and legacy of great service to the country, the people and the highest ideals of humanism,” the Prime Minister’s condolence message reads.

  Press Service of the Government Administration
• Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia: August 2020

  Mr Mark Clayton has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia in succession to Mr Justin McKenzie Smith who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Clayton will take up his appointment during August 2020.

  CURRICULUM VITAE

  Full name: Mark Clayton

  Married to: Helen King

  Children: Two

  2018 to present	Cabinet Office, Deputy Director, European Security and Defence
  2017 to 2018	Moscow, Minister Counsellor (Political), and FCO, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate
  2014 to 2017	Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
  2010 to 2014	FCO, Deputy Head, Counter-Terrorism Department
  2008 to 2010	Home Office, Head, International Team, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
  2005 to 2007	FCO, Head, G8 Team
  2004 to 2005	FCO, Head, EU-Former Soviet Union relations Team
  2003 to 2004	Kabul, Head, Counter Narcotics Team
  1998 to 2002	Moscow, Second Secretary (Foreign Policy)
  1997 to 1998	FCO, Desk Officer, Baltic States

  Further information

  • Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
  • Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

  Press release from 
  Foreign & Commonwealth Office

  source:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-her-majestys-ambassador-to-georgia-august-2020?fbclid=IwAR1AINkWS2fxaj0uBEwrUR2p0d11SVYYEnjBAKa6Cz3ab8818a-8nDYnV8I

   

• Public Defender Meets with Ambassador of Great Britain

  Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili and First Deputy Public Defender Natia Katsitadze met with Justin McKenzie Smith, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia.
  The Public Defender briefed the Ambassador of the activities of the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia, as well as the main recommendations and legislative initiatives on the improvement of human rights. Other topics of discussion were: the progress of the judicial reform, the necessity for the creation of an independent investigative mechanism, the implementation of the Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, the gender environment in the country, the human rights situation of people living in the conflict zones, the work of the Constitutional Commission and the initiatives submitted by the Public Defender to the Commission.
  The Public Defender of Georgia and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland agreed on the prospects of future cooperation.

• The meeting of the Speaker with British Ambassador

  The Speaker, Mr. David Usupashvili held the meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, Mr. Justin McKenzie Smith. As H.E. stated, he is glad to continue his diplomatic career in Georgia. He first visited Georgia in 2009 and well knows the country and the challenges the country encounters.
  The parties discussed upcoming Parliamentary elections and the current political situation in Georgia, as well as the Great Britain leaving EU. As the Ambassador stated, Brexit will not affect Georgia-Britain relations but will further enhance.
  The parties discussed current situation in the region and challenges, as well as Georgia-Russia relations. The Speaker wished the Ambassador success in his career.

• Tamar Jvania met with the Ambassador of Great Britain

  Tamar Zhvania, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia met with H.E. Justin McKenzie Smith, Ambassador of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia.
  Preparation process for the upcoming parliamentary elections and pre-electoral environment were discussed at the introductory meeting. Tamar Zhvania underlined, that the Election Administration is ready to conduct free, credible, transparent elections in line with international standards.
  “H.E. Justin McKenzie Smith, Ambassador of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia visited the CEC for the first time. The Ambassador visited the country a few weeks ago and showed interest in the current processes related with elections. H.E. Justin McKenzie Smith expressed his great support for conducting the elections in a peaceful environment and active participation of voters in electoral processes. The meeting was very important and productive. I am confident that the support of the British Embassy to Georgia, as well as the support of all international observers for transparency and electoral processes will be completely positive for the elections in Georgia” – stated Tamar Zhvania to journalists after the meeting.
  H.E. Justin McKenzie Smith singled out the importance of elections with media – “I think, that these elections will be of high importance for Georgia and its citizens. I also hope, that the electoral environment will remain peaceful and there will be active participation on E-day”- stated the Ambassador.