The Georgian Embassy in the U.S. continues its active engagement with key U.S. lawmakers and policy experts following the recent appointment of Mr. David Zalkaliani as ambassador.
Some notable, recent activities include:
- The Embassy hosted a farewell reception for outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission Giorgi Tsikolia, where Ambassador David Zalkaliani thanked him for his contributions in deepening cooperation between the U.S. and Georgia. U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Bruce Andrews also thanked Tsikolia for his role in deepening bilateral economic ties. During his time with the Embassy, Mr. Tsikolia was instrumental in several major milestones, including the U.S. Congress acknowledgement of Russian occupation of Georgian lands, the sustained sale of javelin anti-tank missiles to Georgia, and the passage of the first standalone legislation for supporting Georgia.
- Georgian Ambassador Davit Zalkaliani met with Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Affairs Karen Donfried where the two discussed Georgia’s European perspective and important issues within the U.S.-Georgia partnership. The Ambassador stressed Georgia’s commitment towards peaceful conclusion of hostilities with the occupied regions through the 12-point plan and its ambitious reform agenda. He further thanked the Assistant Secretary of State for supporting Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
- Ambassador David Zalkaliani met Congressman Gerald Connolly, co-chair of House Georgia Caucus, where they discussed Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and its impact on the region. The Ambassador shared detailed information on Georgia’s efforts to support Ukraine and thanked the Congressman for initiating and passing the Georgia Support Act in the House of Representatives. Congressman Connolly emphasized Georgia’s place as a key U.S. ally and his support of Georgia’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
- Ambassador David Zalkaliani held a meeting with Dr. Kevin Roberts, President of the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, and participated in a round table discussion with the Foundation’s experts. The Ambassador emphasized the support and friendship provided by the Foundation for Georgia’s democratic development and thanked Dr. Roberts for his personal involvement.
The Embassy also facilitated the visit of Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia to the U.S., where he discussed “important issues” related to working with USAID to develop agriculture in Georgia and highlighted the “great opportunity” to export Georgian wines to the U.S. market.