US Ambassador: “no limit” to what Georgia can achieve “when Georgians stand together”

Kelly Degnan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Thursday said Georgia had made “great progress” building its democracy over the past 30 years and pointed out that there was “no limit” to what the country could achieve with unity over its Euro-Atlantic future.

Speaking at an event dedicated to the United States’ upcoming Independence Day, Degnan drew parallels between citizens in the US and Georgia “cherishing freedom”, adding Georgians sought “peace, security, justice, equality, and dignity” like their American counterparts.

These are fundamental Georgian values, woven throughout Georgia’s history, culture, and tradition, from King Tamar, to Ilia Chavchavadze, to Ekvtime Taqaishvili. The path to the freedom Georgians cherish - and to peace, stability and prosperity - leads to Europe”, the Ambassador said.

Georgia has made great progress building its democracy over 30 years. Over this time, the American people have invested over $6 billion in assistance because we believe in helping Georgia become a more prosperous, more democratic, and more secure country”, she noted.

It is not a criticism to say there is more work to do, most importantly in implementing and re-enforcing the democratic framework Georgia has painstakingly created, and strengthening the independence of the democratic institutions you’ve established”, the diplomat said. 

She also invoked Georgia’s national motto “Strength is in Unity” to stress the significance of unity among citizens of the country, adding the US would “continue to stand united with you”.