Kelly Degnan has sworn in as new U.S. Ambassador to Georgia at the U.S. Department of State earlier today. At the swearing-in ceremony, Degnan said that she felt “particularly honored to be selected as the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, a country that shares America’s love of freedom and democracy.”

“Like America, Georgia has had to fight for its independence – a hard-won independence that remains under threat from Russia. Now we are fighting together in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission to help Afghans secure their freedom and build their democracy.

Like Americans, Georgians want to grow businesses, vote in fair elections, hear from a responsible media, worship freely, and raise their families in a country where rule of law governs. I’m sure I’ll see even more commonalities between Georgians and Americans the longer I live there.

Serving as Ambassador is a unique chance to make a difference. As the US Ambassador, my primary job is to promote and protect America’s interests and I will do that with gusto.

I’m also committed to continuing America’s deep collaboration with Georgia, including on democratic development, trade and prosperity, and security cooperation. Through joint training and exercises, we are strengthening Georgia’s ability to defend its own borders — an important sign of America’s steadfast commitment to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Our assistance programs, including a robust USAID mission, promote inclusive economic growth and support the development of strong democratic institutions. Our military and security cooperation enhances Georgia’s interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, contributes to regional and global security, and makes Georgia better prepared to defend its territory,” Degnan stressed.

I feel particularly honored to be selected to be the U.S. Amb to ??, a country that shares America’s love of freedom and democracy. Like ??, Georgia has had to fight for its independence – a hard-won independence that remains under threat from Russia. https://t.co/wfoJPVoEmX

— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) January 17, 2020

New US Ambassador to Georgia noted that “Georgians have transformed a former Soviet Republic into a functioning, democratic State — no small feat. Georgia has made impressive progress on ease of doing business, tackling corruption, and building the institutions necessary to support democracy.”

“Even as we look toward Georgia’s promising future, it’s worth remembering Georgia’s starting point, and just how much the country has achieved, despite war, occupation, economic embargoes, and a hostile, aggressive neighbor.

Georgians have transformed a former Soviet Republic into a functioning, democratic State — no small feat. Georgia has made impressive progress on ease of doing business, tackling corruption, and building the institutions necessary to support democracy.

The focus now is on implementing systems and laws to ensure greater equality, justice, and transparency. Parliamentary elections later this year are an important opportunity for Georgians to show the world that the progress they have worked so hard for cannot be reversed. I look forward to working with the Georgian government and civil society to support a free and fair election process.

We have an ambitious work plan with Georgia, and high expectations of our Georgian friends. Georgians have shown they have the determination, and the fortitude to implement the reforms needed to protect the democratic process they have worked so hard to establish, and that is essential to Georgia’s trans-Atlantic integration.”

Degnan has stated that Georgia is an “important and strategic partner for the United States. During almost 30 years of working together, the US has witnessed a remarkable transformation – the result of Georgians’ courage and love for their country’s independence.”

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.