Degnan officially assumes her duties as new US ambassador to Georgia

New Ambassador of the United States to Georgia Kelly C. Degnan has presented her credentials to Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and President Salome Zurabishvili earlier today, officially assuming her duties in the role.

 Zalkaliani has described Degnan as a “very experienced diplomat,” expressing hope for further strengthening of the US-Georgia strategic partnership.

• New US Ambassador to Georgia: ‘I’m delighted to be here finally'

Degnan said that the US will help Georgia continue its Euro-Atlantic path.

We are connected by strong and long partnership,”Degnan said.

Degnan, who has 25 years of diplomatic experience, was sworn in at the US Department of State on January 17, 2020.

• The US Senate approved Degnan, a recipient of the Secretary of State’s Expeditionary Service Award, in December 2019. 
• The US President Donald Trump presented Californian Degnan for the role in September 2019. 
• The post has been vacant since March 2018.
• Previous Ambassador Ian Kelly announced his retirement once his mission in Georgia concluded at the end of March 2018, bringing an end to his 33-year career.