“It is the clear choice of the Georgian people to become a member of the European Union and NATO, and the United States is very privileged and proud to help Georgia along that path,” said outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan.

At the farewell press conference, Kelly Degnan said it was a great honor for her to serve the diplomatic mission in Georgia, where she was warmly welcomed by the Georgian people with their “generosity and hospitality.” She said she truly felt that she was a part of their families and communities.

According to Degnan, she valued sharing experiences, hopes, challenges and exchange of viewpoints.

“It helps us know how best to help this country, how to support the work being done by many dedicated Georgians all over the country, with NGOs, civil society, and government agencies, who are working for the best interests of this country. All our support for the last 30 years and the partnership that we had with Georgia has gone to helping Georgia better defend its borders, better deter aggression, stimulate economic growth to generate good jobs so that Georgians can see a future in their country, communities, contributing to strengthen Georgian economy and of course to help Georgia build strong, resilient, democratic institutions.

It is the clear choice of the Georgian people to become a member of the European Union and NATO, and the United States is very privileged and proud to help Georgia along that path. We have seen incredible and very impressive progress by Georgia and we are here to help support that process to continue,” she said.

Kelly Degnan emphasized that she was “sad to leave the country” and it was hard for her to say “farewell” to Georgians, who helped her better understand the rich and unique culture, traditions and history of their wonderful country.

“But I will have to say goodbye, and I will take with me incredible memories, so many memories that make me smile every time I think about friends in Tusheti, Racha, Svaneti, Adjara, Samtskhe-Javakheti, all over this country,” she said, adding she was grateful to Georgians for being so warm and supportive to her and her colleagues.