On February 24, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) hosted a panel discussion on a topic “Georgia in Changing International Environment.” The panel was held upon initiative of the TSU Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and the Levan Mikeladze Foundation and it was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of a famous Georgian diplomat and scientist, Levan Mikeladze. The discussion focused on the security situation in Georgia and the region, key opportunities and challenges related to foreign policy and economic development, etc.
Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze said: “An expert discussion was held upon initiative of the Levan Mikeladze Foundation and it was dedicated to a very interesting issue – Georgia’s role in rapidly changing environment. Very interesting reports were delivered by the representatives of diplomatic corps. Today there are few leaders, who have different, special positions and values. Levan Mikeladze was just such a leader and therefore, we are glad that the today’s meeting is associated with his name.”
“The issue to be discussed at the panel is very important, especially now, when there are questions about Georgia’s position in the world, European world, American world, neighbors, such as Russia, Iran, Turkey. So, I expect much from this discussion,” Dr. Olga Gritsai of the University of Amsterdam said before the panel discussion.
“The discussion was dedicated to Georgian and regional security and development problems. Much is changing against the background of important processes ongoing worldwide; much remains vague. In this situation, Georgia continues its path and everyone is interested how the country should pave its way to achieve its goals,” Archil Gegeshidze, executive director of the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, said.
The following persons participated in the discussion: Deputy Foreign Minister, Davit Dondua; State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Victor Dolidze; Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Relations, Tedo Japaridze; Director of the Institute for Georgia’s Neighborhood Studies and Georgian Ambassador to Slovakia, Revaz Gachechiladze; Senior Researchers of the Rondeli Foundation, Vladimer Papava and Kakha Gogolashvili; Georgian PM’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze; Deputy Secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council, Ivliane Khaindrava; former Deputy Defense Minister Mikheil Darchiashvili; Chairman of the Board of the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, Irakli Menagarishvili; representatives of the Georgian government, academic circles and experts.
During the event, the Levan Mikeladze scholarships were awarded to Nino Abuselidze and Davit Kvaratskhelia, students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of TSU.
