Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgia Nears Appointment of New Ambassador to the United States
For nearly five months, Georgia has been without an ambassador to the United States, but Georgian Dream officials now indicate that the selection process is nearing completion.
Levan Davitashvili, Georgia's Vice Prime Minister, addressed the issue during his first visit under the new administration, expressing optimism about the diplomatic appointment.
"The U.S. administration has positive positions regarding the candidates presented. This issue will be resolved in accordance with the procedures, and in the near future, we will have an ambassador to the United States, which, of course, will further strengthen bilateral relations," Davitashvili stated.
While the exact candidate remains undisclosed, the ruling Georgian Dream party has reportedly finalized its selection. On March 19, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed in an interview with Channel One that a nominee had been chosen and that procedural steps were underway.
"We have selected a candidate for the ambassador to the U.S. Moreover, the processes have also begun, and we hope that these processes will soon be completed," Kobakhidze said. "We will share this information publicly later, when we have further steps in these procedures. We are ready to communicate today and are waiting for the corresponding steps."
Georgian Dream Introduces Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of 17 Countries Under New Rules
Georgian Dream has announced a new visa exemption policy allowing citizens of 17 countries to enter and stay in Georgia without a visa provided they meet specific requirements.
According to a recent decree by the Dream administration, nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda will be eligible for visa-free travel starting May 16, 2025.
However, the exemption applies only to those holding a valid visa or residence permit from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, or Oman. The document must have been issued at least one year before arrival in Georgia.
