US Ambassador highlights importance of Tbilisi Silk Road Forum

Robin Dunnigan, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Thursday highlighted the importance of the fourth edition of the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, an event hosting more than 2,000 delegates and guests from up to 60 foreign states in the Georgian capital.

Georgia’s Ministry of Economy cited Dunnigan as saying she appreciated the event, an initiative of Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his Government, and called it “extremely important” for private and public sector representatives as well as leaders of the Middle Corridor logistics route countries to gather to support the development of the “important transit road”.

Dunnigan pointed out Georgia’s achievement in developing the Corridor - a transportation route network connecting China with Europe via the South Caucasus region - as well as related road, railway and port infrastructure.

That is why we are here today, the United States and our companies, to continue to support and participate in this development, because we know the true value of the Middle Corridor and the role of Georgia in this Middle Corridor. So, as an ambassador here, I am absolutely ready to support this issue”, she said.

The Ministry said Dunnigan, representatives from the United States Agency for International Development and the US business community were among participants set to attend panel discussions and other events within the Forum.

Opened earlier today, the event will host 10 thematic sessions on topics including the Middle Corridor, investments, trade relations, tourism and energy.