What new US Ambassador says to Georgia in first video message (VIDEO)

The new Ambassador of the United States to Georgia has released a warm video addressing the people of Georgia, saying he is excited to work in the post-Soviet nation and supports the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and economic prospects.

Diplomat Ian Kelly is due to begin his new role as US Ambassador to Georgia on Wednesday, September 16. He will replace outgoing Ambassador Richard Norland, who held the post for three years.

The video address, released today, saw Kelly remember his initial impressions of Georgia when he first visited the nation 39 years ago.

It’s an honour for me to serve as the new United States’ Ambassador to Georgia. I first visited Tbilisi in 1976 as a college student and even back then I was impressed with the city’s beauty. I look forward to using my 30 years in diplomacy to help Georgia fully realise its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” said Kelly in his video address. 

The diplomat reiterated his country’s constant support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Through my experience in NATO and the OSCE [Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe], I gained deep respect for Georgia’s contributions to international peace and security,” he said. 

When it came to economic perspectives, Ambassador Kelly said the New Silk Road route, initiated by the Chinese Government that envisaged connecting Europe and Asia via the fastest and easiest route, could play a significant role for Georgia’s economic field. 

I’m also eager to support Georgia’s economic development, particularly reviving the Silk Road trade route between Europe and Asia,” Kelly said. 

Putting politics aside, in the video address the Ambassador revealed he and his family had some "worries and great expectations” of their time in Georgia.

Coming from the great city of Chicago, my wife Francesca, our children and I will miss the city’s legendary deep-dish pizza and the baseball games of our beloved Chicago Cubs. But we are excited to taste Georgian khachapuri and watch the Georgian national soccer team play.

And of course, we look forward to Georgia’s legendary hospitality and fascinating ancient culture,” Kelly stated. 

Watch Ambassador Kelly's video address below:

The US Senate confirmed Kelly’s candidacy on June 25 this year after he was nominated to the post by US President Barack Obama. On Friday, September 11, Kelly made an oath as the new Ambassador to Georgia.  

Throughout his career Kelly has held many significant positions including top roles in the US State Department, including as head of the Russian Affairs Department and Department spokesman under Secretary Hillary Clinton, and with the OSCE in Europe. He also has extensive experience working on issues relating to NATO, Russia and the Balkans.

Kelly’s most recent role saw him serve as the US Department of State’s Diplomat in Residence at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to that Kelly served for three years (2010-2013) as US Ambassador to the OSCE in Vienna, Austria.

Meanwhile speaking to media is not new for Kelly; from 2009-2010 he was the State Department’s Bureau of Public Affairs spokesperson, the director of the Office of Russia Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs from 2007-2009 and Public Affairs Officer at the US Mission to NATO from 2004 to 2007.