The delegation of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) visited Armenia last week to participate in the events marking the 25th anniversary of Georgian-Armenian diplomatic relations. During the visit, Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze met with Rector of Yerevan State University (YSU), Aram Simonyan.
TSU Chancellor, Nunu Ovsyannikova, YSU Vice-Rector on Students, Alumni and Public Relations, Ruben Markosyan and Head of the International Cooperation Office, Alexander Markarov also attended the meeting. Besides ongoing and future projects, the sides discussed the issues of mutual cooperation.
Speaking about the friendship between the two universities, TSU Rector Giorgi Sharvashidze recollected the period, when, among other disciplines, the subject ‘Armenian Studies’ was included in the curriculum just upon foundation of the Tbilisi State University in 1918. Later, the Department of Armenian Language was opened at the university, where the Armenian language and history were taught; lectures were delivered by famous Georgian scientists, Akaki Shanidze and Zaza Aleksidze. “For years there had been active cooperation between the universities in the fields of natural sciences: chemistry, physics, biology, etc. Besides being friendly countries, we also are neighbors that enables us to further expand the borders of our cooperation. We have already determined some areas of our future cooperation. The both sides have a good potential and we plan to develop joint research projects. The two universities are involved in the Erasmus program for student mobility,” Giorgi Sharvashidze noted.
The TSU delegation was hosted by Georgian Ambassador to Armenia, Giorgi Saganelidze. “We have a long cooperation with the Tbilisi State University. Presently, a joint project is being implemented with sociologists. We believe that this meeting will further deepen relations between our universities. This time, we signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of natural sciences; we also continue relations in the direction of Armenian studies, archaeology, theology and sociology. Our universities do not cooperate only in the field of education. We also agreed that this summer over 20 students learning Georgian will participate in a two-week student camp, where they will have a rest and simultaneously will undergo practical studies. We also agreed to hold the joint Spartakiad by the end of this year. Armenian and Georgian students will compete in chess, futsal and other sports,” Giorgi Saganelidze said.
The TSU Choir and Dance Ensemble also visited Armenia and performed at Hakob Paronyan Theater and YSU Cultural Center.
