Kelly Degnan, the U.S. Ambassador-designate to Georgia has presented copies of her credentials to the Georgian Foreign Minister
Following the presentation ceremony, the parties discussed a broad spectrum of Georgia-U.S. strategic partnership. It was highlighted that cooperation between the two countries is at an all-time high. Disucssions focused on various priority areas of cooperation, including defence and security, trade and economy.
The Minister updated the Ambassador on the grave security and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. Conversations also included the importance of the international community’s support for ensuring the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict. While on the theme of the Geneva International Discussions, the parties highlighted that, while Georgia continues to exercise a constructive approach, the Russian Federation’s activities are far from aiming to achieve progress in this format.
The Parties also discussed issues relating to regional security, Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process and its contribution towards ensuring global security.
The Ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its Euro-Atlantic integration.
New U.S. Ambassador to Georgia sworn in
Kelly Degnan was sworn in as new U.S. Ambassador to Georgia at the U.S. Department of State.
David Hale, the United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs attended the oath-taking ceremony.
The White House presented the candidacy of Kelly Degnan for post of U.S. Ambassador to Georgia in September of 2019. The Senate approved Degnan’s candidacy in December.
Degnan previously served as a political adviser to the commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa. A native of California, Degnan’s career has spanned 25 years and has included senior diplomatic postings to Italy, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
Degnan also served as the deputy executive secretary of the State Department, political counsellor at the U.S. mission to NATO, and special assistant to the secretary of state. Degnan speaks Italian, French, Turkish, and Urdu.
Elizabeth Rood has served as acting ambassador to Georgia since Ambassador Ian Kelly departed in March 2018.
