On November 21, Kelly Degnan, the US ambassador to Georgia, said that the US is constantly seeking ways to collaborate with Georgia's Ministry of Defense and defense forces to improve Georgia's capabilities and interoperability with NATO. The Ambassador claimed that the US is Georgia's strongest NATO ally.
Regarding NATO-Georgia relations, she added, "The United States is Georgia’s strongest supporter in NATO. We work very closely with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the whole Georgian Government to increase Georgia's capability and interoperability with NATO. The United States has been doing this in Georgia for many, many years. There is more to be done. Georgia itself keeps track of that in the annual national program that the Georgian government prepares in consultation with NATO every year. So, of course, there is more to be done. The United States is always looking for ways to partner with the Georgian defense forces. The Ministry of Defense, to increase Georgia's capabilities and its interoperability with NATO. The exercises that Georgia does with NATO, the United States, and other allies are an important part of that. Through those exercises, we all see where we can do more to improve our ability to respond together, protect Georgia's territorial integrity and security, and increase the ability of Georgia's defense forces to defend Georgia's borders. I think it is very important that there is an opportunity for Georgian leaders to be talking with NATO allies and leadership and looking for ways that we can all help Georgia move forward on its NATO membership path."
Kelly Degnan emphasized, "This requires work from the Georgia government, and it requires continued support from the United States and other NATO allies, all of whom want to see Georgia moving forward on its NATO path, towards the secure future that Georgians want and deserve."
Moreover, journalists requested the Ambassador to comment on David Kramer's statement that sanctions should be imposed against Bidzina Ivanishvili (GD founder) and those who carry out his orders. Kelly Degnan chose not to respond to the assertion made by David Kramer, the executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. However, Degnan said that David Kramer gave a lot of thought to Georgia, its prosperity, security, and progress. "Mr. Kramer is an individual. He is well-liked among academics. He is well-versed in Georgia and is deeply concerned about Georgia's future. I do not want to comment on his statement because he pays close attention to what is happening in Georgia and cares greatly about its success, security, development, and prosperity," the Ambassador added.
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