Ambassador Kelly Degnan: The Emergency Operation Center training is just another example of the kind of training that the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency has been doing for years to help build Georgia’s capacity, to counter weapons of mass destruction threats, and other kinds of emergencies in Georgia and the region. The U.S. has been working with different Georgian agencies to help strengthen Georgia’s border security, its emergency response, and its disease surveillance capability to keep Georgians safe. We are very proud to continue this robust relationship between the United States and Georgia in strengthening Georgia’s security and its democratic progress. 

US Embassy in Georgia

I welcome our strategic allies and partners visiting Batumi Port, and I welcome American command ships, their crews and personnel, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated today in Batumi, aboard USS Mount Whitney.
According to the Head of Government, this port visit by American command ships is yet another clear demonstration of the strong strategic relations between Georgia and the US.
"Georgia is very important country in the Black Sea region. Our geographic location has a profound significance. Georgia is a loyal ally and participant of global security. We understand well the importance of Black Sea security, and we are committed to assisting our allies in this direction. We share the responsibility of cementing regional peace and stability, and we will continue doing everything to that end. Army command compatibility, partnership-oriented drills, and the unity of our forces in times of crisis offer the best way to ensure security in the region. I am happy to see that our friends, during their stay in Batumi, will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with our country's rich history, culture, and traditions. Along with our guests, I would like to express enormous gratitude to the US Government and the American people, each American, who have stood by Georgia since the regaining of independence. On behalf of our Government and the Georgian people, I once again thank you visiting, and I wish you a successful stay," the Prime Minister addressed the crews and personnel of the American ships.
The guests aboard the USS were also addressed by US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan and Commander of the Sixth Fleet/Vice Admiral Gene Black.
"It is an honor to welcome to Georgia USS Mount Whitney and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Porter. Many representatives of the crews and personnel of these ships are visiting this beautiful country for the first time, though the ships themselves have been here many times before. We are very proud of their return today. In September of 2008, after Russia's invasion of Georgia, Mount Whitney delivered 17 tons of much-needed humanitarian aid from the USAID, marking the first visit of the ship to the Black Sea water area, and look at Georgia's immense progress since! The history of these glorious ships, and the capabilities and achievements of their crews, are truly impressive. This visit reaffirms that the United States and Georgia, as partners, are committed to the idea of security and defense. Less than a month has passed since the recent visit by the US Defense Secretary, who reminisced about his time together with Georgian troops on battlefield and expressed gratitude to them. Alongside troops from the North Atlantic Alliance's member states and allies, more than 22,000 Georgians have participated in trainings and battles. The crews and personnel of these ships enable the US to carry out integrated aerial, land, and maritime operations with military and humanitarian missions, whenever we are called and whenever we are needed in the world. Your being here also reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the United States to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you, Mister Prime Minister, Mister Vice Prime Minister, Mister Defense Minister, Mister Chief of Defense Forces, and heads of the border guard and maritime patrol services, for facilitating this visit-and, more importantly, for your strong support of our security and defense partnership," Ambassador Degnan said.
Vice Admiral Gene Black thanked Georgia and Batumi for hosting the US ships and crews.
"Georgia's support makes a direct contribution to maritime security in the Black Sea Region. Our host city has embraced our crews and personnel with genuine warmth and hospitality. I deeply appreciate that. I am also grateful to Georgia's Defense Forces and the Georgian people for supporting US- and NATO-led missions. Georgia is our strategic partner, and our support for the country remains unwavering. The United States remain committed to maintaining close bilateral relations and assisting Georgia in developing its defense capabilities. Your contribution to our joint security effort testifies to the strength of our strategic partnership and to the common maritime interests and values we share. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his visit to Georgia last months, stated that ‘Georgia has consistently and resolutely supported the United States in ensuring peace and stability in this region. I am happy to have this opportunity to reaffirm our strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.' The United States Navy-together with the member states and allies of the North Atlantic Alliance, including Georgia-is bolstering maritime security and stability in the Black Sea Region. No single country can deal with all threats on its own, the reason why I, on behalf of the United States of America and the North Atlantic Alliance and the Sixth Fleet, I thank Georgia for this opportunity further strengthening our relations," Vice Admiral Gene Black stated.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Training course on investigation of drug-related crime, jointly organized by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Cooperation (INL) was held for the investigators of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The US Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Regional Security Office (RSO) and Office of the Legal Attache of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) jointly organized a training course on crisis supervision for the senior management of the MIA.

The U.S. Embassy was proud to support the USA Water Polo men’s team in their game against Georgia - the ever-gracious tournament host. While the U.S. and Georgia are close strategic partners, in the sports arena the competition was fierce and we congratulate the American team on its hard fought victory.

US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and President Zourabichvili attended the game to cheer on the players and presented awards to the most valuable player from each side. Ambassador Degnan awarded Max Irving MVP from the U.S. team. The Embassy wishes both teams success in the tournament ahead.

Statement by the US Embassy in Tbilisi

The Minister of Internal Affairs /MIA/, Vakhtang Gomelauri awarded Michael Truner, the Senior Police Advisor of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to Georgia with the certificate of acknowledgement and the medal “For Special Merits” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the contribution to the capacity building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

On March 22, 2021, Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, met with Kelly Degnan, Ambassador of the United States of America to Georgia.

The topic of discussion was the situation of human rights in Georgia. The Public Defender also spoke about the challenges faced by the Office, especailly in recent months, and the obstacles that hinder the full implementation of the Public Defender's mandate, for example when paying visits to semi-open prisons.

"Another visit paid by the US Ambassador to the Public Defender’s Office once again confirms the support that has been constantly expressed by the US Government to our Office," Nino Lomjaria said.

“It was a very informative meeting. It's important to have conversations with the Public Defender and find out what they are working on. It is an essential part of a strong democracy to have a Public Defender's Office that is defending the human rights of all the people of Georgia, working to keep transparency and accountability and democracy strong. I was very sorry to hear that there have been some attacks against the Public Defender's Office. That kind of hate speech is a toxic language, especially against an office that is serving the public in such an important way.

The Public Defender's Office also plays such an important role in keeping public officials accountable, something that Georgia needs to do more; more accountability, more transparency and less hate speech and vicious attacks against others“, the US Ambassador said after the meeting.

Public Defender of Georgia

Perfect Opportunity to Reaffirm U.S. Government Support for Anaklia Port Project

TBILISI, GEORGIA, 13 November 2020 – The Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) today issued the following statement in advance of the 17-18 November visit to Georgia by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo:

“The Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) and its investors welcome the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Georgia, and expect Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Degnan will express to the Georgian Government their continued support for a port project at Anaklia.”

“It was just last year (11 June 2019) that Secretary Pompeo offered a strong endorsement of support for the Anaklia Project following his meeting with then-Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, when he told the press:

“I communicated our hope that Georgia completes the (Anaklia) port project. The project and others will enhance Georgia’s relationship with free economies and prevent Georgia from falling prey to Russian or Chinese economic influence. Those pretend friends do not have Georgia’s best interests at heart.”

“The timing and purpose of Secretary Pompeo’s visit invites an examination of the Georgian Government’s purported commitment to seeing through the development of a world-class port at Anaklia. While this commitment was expressed directly to both Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Degnan, recent developments show that the Georgian Government’s commitment to Anaklia was a hollow one.

“The Georgian Government’s duplicitous and unlawful actions in relation to the Anaklia project has caused considerable financial losses for its U.S., European and Georgian investors and unfortunately now led to international arbitration proceedings being commenced against Georgia, which create a considerable financial risk for the state and will serve to discourage foreign investment in Georgia at a time when Georgia most needs it.

“Beyond the Anaklia project, the actions of the current Government over the past year certainly raise questions about its commitment to implementing meaningful judicial and governance reforms, which are important for increasing foreign investment and strengthening the Georgian economy. 

“We wish Secretary Pompeo all success during his visit to Georgia and his meetings with the Government.”

Further details of the Anaklia Port project and ADC can be found at http://anakliadevelopment.com

Prior to the official opening of Noble Partner 2020, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces Europe conducted Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) – airborne operation at Vaziani air field. Defense Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, Chief of Defense Forces, Major General Giorgi Matiashvili and Commander of NATO Allied Land Command, Lieutenant General Roger L. Cloutier, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly C. Degnan and Defense Attaché Colonel Stephanie Bagley, as well Ex-Director Colonel Roland Dzneladze and the representatives of Georgian Defense Forces observed a large-scale airdrop on the ground.

Once over the drop-zone approximately 2 company-size units from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade of U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces Europe conducted the large-scale JFE seize VTA’s airfield first time in the region.

 After the airborne operation Defense Minister emphasized the Georgia-USA strategic relations, excellent partnership and the trust between the countries. “I would like to highlight the excellent partnership we have with our American partners, militaries and which has been tested for many years. The most important is a unique trust we have towards each other. This exercise is a demonstration of our relationship. The exercise aims to strengthen and intensify already existing strategic relation” – stated Irakli Garibashvili and outlined that this exercise gives a unique capabilities to Georgian soldiers to enhance interoperability and also one more demonstration that USA, NATO member countries support Georgia’s aspiration to Euro-Atlantic integration. 

The airborne operation will consist of four C-130 Hercules aircrafts that depart from Mihail Kogălniceanu (MK) Airbase, Romania crossing the Black Sea with the destination of VTA. According to the scenario, the paratroopers will seize the airfield in order to allow for the multinational follow-on-forces to arrive and occupy the airfield.

Source: https://mod.gov.ge/en/news/read/7954/airborne-operation-by-c-130-hercules-aircrafts