Georgian FM sees US envoy's resignation as chance to reset ties with Washington

The resignation of United States Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan presents an opportunity to re-establish and reinvigorate bilateral ties between Tbilisi and Washington, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said on June 6.

Speaking to Georgian media, Botchorishvili noted that Dunnigan’s departure could mark a fresh start in diplomatic relations, per Caliber.Az.

“I do not know the reason for the ambassador's departure. We only know what the ambassador herself has said. The fact is that the United States now has the opportunity to appoint a new representative in Georgia, which means that we have a chance to start relations from scratch,” she said.

Ambassador Dunnigan announced her resignation on 5 June, stating that the decision was personal and not prompted by external pressure. She will continue to fulfil her duties until July.

Dunnigan has served in the role since October 2023, succeeding Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan. Her departure comes after a distinguished 33-year career in US diplomacy. Before her assignment in Tbilisi, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central and Eastern Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. From 2018 to 2021, she also held the position of Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Austria.

Botchorishvili stressed that Georgia’s leadership continues to regard ties with the United States as vitally important. However, she acknowledged recent strains in the relationship and said that Tbilisi has expressed serious concern over the deterioration in dialogue with Washington.

“We have repeatedly emphasised the importance of our strategic partnership with the United States,” the foreign minister stated, adding that the appointment of a new ambassador could offer a critical opening to rebuild trust and cooperation at a challenging time.