I am in awe of everything that the Georgian people have done and what you will do in the future due to your boundless love for your country and perseverance, so that Georgia can achieve the bright, democratic future that you Georgians want and deserve so much, US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan writes on the social network.

As she says, "Strength is in unity" is the right motto for Georgia and America.

"I came to Georgia three and a half 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 United States strives to uphold. That is why America stands by the Georgian people to achieve your goal of greater stability, security and prosperity through European integration.

"Strength is in unity" - a truly outstanding motto for 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 children 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 wobbles, by shining a ray of hope and optimism, by unwaveringly moving towards Georgia's Euro-Atlantic destiny - I am 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 ensure that Georgia achieves the bright, democratic future that Georgians want and deserve so much.

I say goodbye to the many, many Georgians who opened their doors and hearts to me, my heart is full of gratitude and great respect. Even though 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 that I will always cherish - to serve as the United States Ambassador to this beautiful country," US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan wrote, adding a verse from Illia Chavchavadze's poetry.