Georgia-US diplomatic anniversary event hosted by Georgian Embassy in Washington DC

The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States was celebrated in a gala reception hosted by the Georgian Embassy in Washington DC on Friday.

Guests were addressed by Ambassador David Zalkaliani, Karen Donfried, the US Assistant Secretary of State, Laura Cooper, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence, and Senator Gary Peters.

The speakers stressed the “dedicated struggle for freedom by several generations of Georgians” and the “vital importance” of a strong strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States amid current circumstances of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Those in attendance were also entertained by the Georgian folk ensemble Shvidkatsa, with performances of the Georgian, US, and European Union anthems, in addition to a Ukrainian song and several popular Georgian folk songs. 

Photo: Davit Zalkaliani's Facebook Page.

The event brought together about 500 friends of Georgia from the US Government and political circles, public and international organisations, Georgian diaspora, private companies and diplomatic corps. 

Georgia’s  National Wine Agency hosted a display,highlighting Georgia as the oldest viticulture in the world with roots dating back to 6000 BCE.

A non-fungible token was also created by Georgia's Innovation and Technology Agency for the occasion, with the NFT drawn in a lottery and presented to a winner at the event.