CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- The ambassador from the Republic of Georgia is visiting South Carolina to thank the crew of a Coast Guard cutter that provided humanitarian aide to his nation during its war with Russia two years ago.
Georgian Ambassador Batu Kutelia (BAH'-too koo-TAY'-lee-ah) visits the Coast Guard cutter Dallas in Charleston on Friday.
The Dallas is a 378-foot cutter based in Charleston. It delivered relief supplies including food, milk and other items to the Georgian people in August 2008.
The ambassador will also see Operation SeaHawk, which provides better port security on the South Carolina coast through a joint effort of local, state and federal agencies.
Kutelia was appointed ambassador from Georgia to the United States, Canada and Mexico in March of last year.
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