On November 17, 2013, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah led a U.S. delegation, including USAID Assistant Administrator Paige Alexander and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Melia, attending Georgia's Presidential Inauguration of Giorgi Marvelashvili. Marvelashvili was elected in a peaceful election on October 28, 2013. Administrator Shah's official statement is below.

"The United States warmly congratulates President Giorgi Margvelashvili on his November 17 inauguration.  We look forward to continuing our close, constructive, and deep cooperation with Georgia – one of our closest partners and friends.
 
As the Administrator of the U.S. Government's international development agency, USAID, I am pleased to lead the U.S. presidential delegation to this historic inauguration.
 
The United States congratulates the citizens of Georgia on its peaceful political transition and ongoing democratic reform.  You are truly a role model for the region.
 
The U.S. Government has invested over $3 billion in Georgia over the past two decades, including post-conflict funding following the 2008 conflict.
 
The transformation which we have seen in Georgia over this period is remarkable, and I am proud that the U.S. Government played an important role through our combined diplomatic, development, and defense assistance.
 
Together, we have improved the rule of law, the administration of elections, and respect for human rights.  We also transformed government service delivery, reduced corruption, improved energy distribution to allow consistent electricity after a 15 year gap, and achieved important health sector results, including Polio Free Certification.
 
The United States and Georgia have achieved great things together, and we will continue to do so in the future, in part through one of the largest ongoing U.S. bilateral assistance programs in the region, including a five-year $180 million USAID program and a $140 million Millennium Challenge Corporation second compact.
 
We look forward to working with the President-elect, the government, Prime Minister, Parliament, and the people of Georgia, to build upon our strong strategic partnership, to foster Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and to continue to create a brighter future for the Georgian people.
 
The Georgian people have spoken, and we urge all parties to work together constructively to advance Georgia’s continued development. The United States continues to stand by its steadfast policy of recognizing Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."