U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said on Monday that "there are several globally qualified port operators who have expressed interest in the port of Anaklia."

"As far as I know, there are several globally qualified port operators who have expressed interest in the port of Anaklia, and the government is going to announce a tender early next year. We think that Anaklia will contribute greatly to the economy of Georgia, as well as create jobs in the region and beyond. So we remain a big supporter of the deep sea port, which should be implemented in a way that corresponds to the best interests of Georgia and will protect the critical infrastructure of Georgia," said Degnan.

She once again noted that the U.S. is a firm supporter of the Anaklia deep sea port:

"Now we all see that if the Anaklia port was completed last year as originally planned, it would be a great contribution to Georgia, as Georgia is developing its role in transporting cargo from Central Asia to Europe."