Kelly Degnan, U.S. Ambassador-designate to Georgia, delivered a speech at the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate on October 29.

She thanked the US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Degnan said she would try to contribute to the productive relationship between the two countries.

“I haven’t had a chance to visit the Republic of Georgia yet, but the issues of Georgia are not new to me. In August 2008, when Russia invaded Georgia, I worked in Turkey. I was at the NATO Headquarters a year later, when Georgia was recognized and still remains a valued partner of NATO. The Allies reiterated that Georgia would definitely become a NATO member.

During my three years at NATO I was impressed by Georgia’s commitment to carry out reforms and strengthen institutions. Georgia’s commitment is evident as the country is one of the largest contributors to the military forces in Afghanistan, with almost 900 soldiers deployed in the NATO Resolute Support Mission,” the US diplomat said.

Kelly Dagnan talked about the importance of Georgia in the Black Sea region, noting that Georgia is a key partner for the United States, where large-scale exercises were held in the summer, which involved participants from 14 countries, including the United States.

“We will strengthen support to Georgia in direction of NATO and EU membership. We will work together to strengthen Georgia’s defense of its borders and creation of democratic community. I look forward to working with the Georgian government on these and other issues,” said Kelly Degnan.

She also noted that Georgia became the target of Russia’s destructive and aggressive actions and that the United States would continue to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the country’s internationally recognized borders.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s aggressive actions in the occupied regions of Georgia. Russia must fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement,” Degnan said.