The Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev visited Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) on May 19. Within the framework of the visit, the Rector of TSU, Academician Jaba Samushia, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Emin Amrullayev and the Rector of Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy University (ADA University), Hafiz Pashayev solemnly opened the renovated auditorium named after Heydar Aliyev in the 2nd Building of the university. The Azerbaijani side provided the auditorium with literature and educational equipment. The participants of the meeting discussed in detail the Georgian-Azerbaijani relations and drew up plans for future cooperation in the sphere of education.

Rector Jaba Samushia informed the guests about the Azerbaijani language programs at Tbilisi State University. He focused on the 1+4 program, where Georgian language is taught to Azerbaijani students. According to the Rector, a new direction - Azerbaijani studies will be established at Tbilisi State University. “The auditorium named after Heydar Aliyev will become a center of Azerbaijani studies in the future. This is very important, because Azerbaijan and Georgia have very good neighborly relations, and it is necessary to further deepen these relations, both in the scientific and educational spheres. We are neighboring countries, we know each other’s culture and history very well; however, it is necessary to jointly study the cultural heritage of these two countries, we are planning concrete steps in this direction,” Rector Samushia noted.

At the meeting, the parties focused on the development of educational and scientific programs in the direction of economy in the regional context and the implementation of the Georgian-Azerbaijani archaeological project. They also discussed the introduction of joint exchange programs and exchange opportunities for students and professors.

“The visit of such a delegation from the field of education and science of Azerbaijan is of great importance for our countries. The relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan in the field of development of science and education are entering a new stage,” said the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili. He also noted that the Ministry always supports the implementation of international programs, education of young people and the next generation.”

Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Emin Amrullayev said that the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Auditorium at TSU is very important for the cooperation between the higher educational institutions of Azerbaijan and Georgia. “Heydar Aliyev has made a great contribution to the development of friendly relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan. 2023 has been declared the year of Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, and we are very happy that such an event is being held in our neighboring and friendly country. We are creating the future - Georgian and Azerbaijani youth and professors will greatly benefit from the opening of this auditorium, as it will contribute to the deepening and development of educational relations between us,” Minister Amrullayev said.

The Deans of TSU faculties, professors, representatives of the Foreign Relations Service also attended the meeting.

As part of the visit, TSU and ADA University signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at deepening educational and cultural relations. The memorandum was signed by Rector of TSU, Academician Jaba Samushia and Rector of ADA University, Hafiz Pashayev.