US & Georgia celebrate 25 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Georgia recently celebrated 25 years of US-Georgia diplomatic relations, which began on April 23, 1993 with the opening of the US Embassy in Tbilisi. The embassy was the second foreign mission established in Georgia after it regained independence from the Soviet Union. Since then, the US has been a key Georgian ally and has supported Georgia on its path to becoming a sovereign and democratic state. US-Georgia cooperation has since developed in almost all fields including political and economic cooperation, defense and military partnerships, and educational exchange programs. Georgia remains committed to serving as a strategic, reliable and democratic US ally in the region.
To mark the two nations’ long-standing friendship, the Embassy of Georgia held a concert featuring prominent Georgian ethno-jazz singer Nino Katamadze, accompanied by renowned pianist and conductor Nikoloz Rachveli and the band Insight. The event took place at U Street Music Hall in Washington, DC on April 22nd following their performance at Lincoln Center in New York City a day earlier.
To continue the celebrations, “Georgia Days” were held in San Diego, CA on April 24–26. The events were organized by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Millennium Challenge Account — Georgia, and San Diego State University. Georgia Days included the signing of the Friendship City Agreement between San Diego and Tbilisi at San Diego Mayor’s office, the opening of the “Georgia: Building the Future on a Vibrant Past” exhibition at San Diego State University, a presentation on the Georgian business climate before the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and events that introduced the local community to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant developments in Georgia.
The Embassy of Georgia is planning a series of conferences, cultural and representational events to mark the US-Georgia quarter century friendship throughout 2017.
Simultaneously, the US Embassy in Tbilisi led “America Days” celebrations in Georgian cities. US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly also posted a congratulatory addresses on the 25th anniversary of US-Georgia diplomatic relations:
U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly (Since 2015)
Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland (2012–2015)
Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Bass (2009–2012)
Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John F. Tefft (2005–2009)
Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Miles (2002–2005)
Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kenneth Yalowitz (1998–2001)
