US ambassador meets Georgian defence minister, vows support for further strengthening of ties

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan met with Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Garibashvili earlier today, promising support ‘for successful reforms and further strengthening of cooperation,’ Georgian Defence Ministry reports.

Garibashvili stated during the meeting that strategic partnership between Georgia and the US, which is based on common values and interests, has never been so high,” the ministry said.

The Georgian Defence Readiness Programme, increased foreign financial support and joint exercises have been discussed during the meeting. 

Degnan and Garibashvili praised the role of Georgian soldiers to international peace and security. 

Degnan officially assumed her duties at the end of January 2020. 

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.