Alan Purcell: For over three decades, we have worked closely with Georgians and Georgian institutions, building real achievements together in many areas

“In the three-plus decades since Georgia regained its independence, we have worked closely with Georgians and Georgian institutions, building real achievements together in many areas, from the military to law enforcement, to business, to education, health, and much more besides. Georgians and Americans have worked together to build greater prosperity for both countries,” said Alan Purcell, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, during the festive reception dedicated to the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence, attended by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

According to Alan Purcell, the latest example is the Poti new seaport, which is implemented with the support of a loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

As Alan Purcell emphasized, a big part of the Georgia-U.S. relationship is the people-to-people connections, which have been a major priority for the embassy for many years.

“Good evening. Prime Minister, ministers, ambassadors, distinguished guests, friends. It is a pleasure and an honour to be here with you today. Thank you so much for joining me and the rest of our embassy team as we officially mark the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Two hundred and fifty years ago this week, the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia during a summer of war and uncertainty, adopted the Declaration of Independence, spelling out the reasons for America’s independence and the American understanding of the proper basis for government.

In the words of the declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Four score and seven years later, President Abraham Lincoln, in another time of war and testing, described the American experiment as government of the people, by the people, for the people. Now, two hundred and fifty years after the Declaration, we Americans are all heirs of this legacy, and I am especially struck, as someone who has represented my country for twenty-eight years in its relations with other countries, at how America’s founding principles provide a basis for strong, mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships with people around the world.

Certainly, this is true in Georgia. In the three-plus decades since Georgia regained its independence, we have worked closely with Georgians and Georgian institutions, building real achievements together in many areas, from the military to law enforcement, to business, to education, health, and much more besides. Georgians and Americans have worked together to build greater prosperity for both countries. And as just the latest example, Mr. Prime Minister, it was great to see you in Poti last week for the announcement of an expansion of the Poti new seaport with the support of a loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation.

A big part of our relationship is the people-to-people connections, which have been a major priority for the embassy for many years. Americans have a special affinity for Georgia. I know that I do. And I think that one of the things that helps Americans and Georgians to understand each other so easily is our shared love of freedom and independence. Over the years, our US government exchange programs have opened new educational and professional doors for thousands of Georgian students, teachers, small businesses, and professionals,” he said.

Alan Purcell underscored that the U.S. remains unwavering in its support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

“Georgia has a unique and rich cultural heritage, and I am pleased that we support efforts to preserve this heritage for future generations. Perhaps most fundamentally, the United States remains unwavering in its support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. And I suppose I don’t need to spend too much time telling this audience about the great things that Georgia and the United States have done together because so many of you here tonight are the ones who have actually done them and who are continuing to do them.

Thank you for your partnership. Among those shared achievements, none speak more powerfully than the moments when Georgia’s defense forces have stood shoulder to shoulder with American service members in demanding missions abroad. Their courage has drawn our nations even closer, and we remember with deep gratitude the Georgians and Americans who gave their lives in that shared service, a sacrifice that binds our two nations still,” he said.

Chargé d’Affaires thanked the event participants and guests.

“Turning to tonight’s event and the people and organizations that made it possible, I would like to thank our sponsors who went all out this year to celebrate this historic anniversary, and I hope that everyone is able to enjoy the food, drink, and all of the offerings. Thanks so much to our band, which is a combination of musicians from the State of Georgia National Guard and the Georgian Defense Forces. What better way to celebrate than with a Georgia, Georgia Jam session? And some of you have already discovered this, but we have some special items on display over to my right. Another American milestone this year is the one hundredth anniversary of Route 66, the iconic road west that carried a newly mobile generation toward their dreams, both before and after World War II.

Thanks to the American Sports and Culture Association and the Georgian Historic Vehicle Association, we are thrilled to be able to create our own Route 66 here tonight, where you can see rare classic cars that remain a symbol of America. And at the end of Route 66, you can see more remarkable symbols of America’s industrial heritage provided by the Georgian Defense Forces, including a Huey helicopter. So it’s a bit of a walk out there, but we will keep these displays open until eight thirty, and I encourage you to check them out. And finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank all of you, the incredible staff of our embassy, Georgian friends, and international partners for your friendship, hard work, and commitment to achieving goals in the interest of us all. It is an honour to labour together with you. Happy birthday, America, and საქართველო გაუმარჯოს,” he said.