The US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, whose term as an Ambassador ends this summer, has expressed her affection for Georgia’s culture, nature and people in her farewell letter to Georgian citizens.

"I came to Georgia 3.5 years ago to fulfill the most important duty of my life, to be a representative of the American people here as the US Ambassador.

Georgia is a country with a long and rich history, which was at the crossroads of civilizations. It is a country of a unique culture based on traditions, famous for soulful polyphony, delicate alphabets and prose and poetry of Chavchavadze, Vazha-Pshavela and Rustaveli.

It is a land of mighty rivers, vast emerald fields, groves, forests and captivating mountain peaks. While I was here, I learned that Georgians, like Americans, fought oppression to unite, protect and strengthen their country. Over the centuries, Georgians have preserved the freedom, faith and values that define the Georgian identity.

These are the common values and traditions that unite us: the spirit of independence, the creative spirit, compassion and courageous endurance.

I am inspired by the perseverance of many Georgians whom I had the honor to meet. This perseverance led to Georgia’s impressive progress and transformation over the last thirty years, to revive the principles on which the state of Georgia has been based today and more than a hundred years ago: equality, justice, democracy.

These are the same principles that the US strives to uphold. That is why US stands by the Georgian people to achieve your goal of greater stability, security and prosperity through European integration.

“Strength is in Unity” - this is truly the most appropriate motto for both Georgia and America!” As I reflect on my short time in Georgia, my memories conjure up a mosaic of the faces of the inspiring people who shared their personal stories of our partnership and progress: whether it was an exchange participant presenting ideas for improving their community, a scientist sharing their shared efforts to combat COVID, a parent who advocated for needed services for kids with disabilities, a teacher who taught young people a critical approach to issues like misinformation and polarization. There are many more.

By strengthening democratic institutions to protect against volatility, by providing a ray of hope and optimism, by moving unwaveringly towards Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic destiny – I stand in awe of all that the Georgian people have done and will do in the future because of your boundless love for your country and your perseverance to help Georgia achieve the bright, democratic future that Georgians seek and deserve.

As I say goodbye to the many, many Georgians who have opened their doors and their hearts to me, my heart is full of gratitude and great respect. Although I’m leaving, I’m taking with me a lot of love and friendship from my dear friends from all over Georgia. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the United States Ambassador to this beautiful country”, - writes Kelly Degnan.